A Novel All-Superconducting Propulsion and Protection System for the HTS Maglev: Concept, Experimental Verification and Planning

This article presents a novel all-superconducting propulsion and protection system for the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Maglev. The HTS magnet is the key component in the HTS Maglev, as it is in charge of the most crucial works, the propulsion and levitation of the train, to realize the zero-friction and ultra-high-speed just above the ground. The HTS magnet can conduct massive electric current and generate extremely high magnetic field, but the HTS magnet is also relatively venerable compared to the conventional copper magnet, regarding the strict operating conditions of temperature, magnetic field and electric current. Therefore, we proposed a new all-superconducting propulsion and protection system, introducing the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) to be equipped into the HTS Maglev, which can protect the HTS magnet, but also ensure the safety and reliability of Maglev operation. The real size HTS magnet was modeled to check the magnetic requirements of HTS Maglev and determine the specifications of other superconducting devices. Then a scaled all-superconducting protection and energy compensation system with the scaled HTS magnet, SFCL and SMES was analyzed, and some components were verified by experiments. Future plans were proposed to merge the full size all-superconducting protection and protection system into an HTS Maglev prototype.