Improvement of superconducting cylindrical linear induction motor

Abstract

The authors have constructed a model superconducting cylindrical (tubular) linear induction motor (SCLIM) to clarify the behaviors (AC loss, stability and so on) of AC superconducting windings in a realistic operational environment of electrical rotating machines. The studies of an AC superconductor's development in regard to the reduction of AC loss and the improvement of current capacity have been advanced. From now on, the valuation of characteristic of AC superconducting windings in a realistic operational environment should be investigated. In the previous paper, the authors presented the design and construction of an SCLIM model system composed of AC superconducting primary windings, FRP cryostat and VVVF power supply with quench detection and protection circuit, and the results of fundamental driving experiments. In this paper, the authors optimize the current distribution in primary windings to enhance the thrust characteristics and the quench detection and protection system for AC superconducting machines by a numerical approach based on a developed FEM computer program. The measurements of the thrust force, the distributions of the magnetic flux density and primary current in the SCLIM model are also shown.