UAQ4 Magnetic Levitating Train: Propulsion System for Urban Transportation

This paper discusses the design of the propulsion system of the UAQ4 (University of L’Aquila, model 4) magnetic levitating train which is used for transportation applications in urban environments. UAQ4 is the only magnetic levitating vehicle with resistance motion, except for aerodynamic drag and with energy consumption near zero at low speed. The feasibility of the system has been successfully verified and tested in the laboratory. Propulsion and braking are provided by a novel direct-current linear stepper motor, with the primary formed by permanent magnets distributed on central beam of the track, and the secondary by coils on board the vehicle, instead of the present alternate current linear motors that have well-known disadvantages. The motor working principles are described, and its performances are analyzed, by a finite element numerical model which allows modifying the most important parameters of the system. The main components of a full scale motor for urban transportation are measured and discussed.