BENCH SIZE DEVICE FOR MAGNETIC LEVITATION TESTS USING SUPERCONDUCTORS AND PERMANENT MAGNETS IN HALBACH ARRAY: DESIGN AND 3D NUMERICAL ANALYSES

The performances of a new kind of inductor, in replacement of other one, belonging to a manufactured bench size experimental device for magnetic levitation tests, have been analysed and evaluated by 3D finite element parametric model. The novel inductor employs permanent magnets arranged in circular Halbach arrays interacting with high temperature bulk superconducting ring. The experimental device reproduces, by analogy, the electro-magnetic dynamic behaviour of superconducting “runner” on board of Maglev vehicle riding along a magnetic guideway. The main electromagnetic components of experimental device have been designed and analysed in order to evaluate, for several operating conditions, static and dynamic performances. The results of numerical analysis are presented in terms of levitation force, magnetic resistance, eddy current and flux density distribution