SERAPHIM URBAN MAGLEV PROPULSION DESIGN

The SERAPHIM linear induction motor consists of air-core, discretely energized coils capable of efficiently providing high thrust at low and high speed. With the potential for a low cost guideway by the use of a wide clearance between active vehicle coils and passive track coils, this propulsion system is being evaluated for applications in low speed urban maglev transit. A concept four coil motor has been developed to meet the requirements of an urban transit route that could include a mountainous section based on information from the Low Speed Maglev Technology Development Program and the Colorado Department of Transportation I-70 Mountain Programmatic Environmental Impact Study. The concept includes definition of the track coils, power supply, and cooling system. Thrust and efficiency curves are calculated using an improved motor-circuit-analysis code using normal and high temperature superconductors. The design of half scale motor coil to operate at stress level necessary to meet urban transit applications is presented that includes electrical, thermal, and mechanical stress analysis. Fabrication of coils and power supply is in progress for evaluation in a static test stand that also includes cooling, diagnostics, controls, and support structure. Test plans for coil evaluation are discussed.