Vibration control of superconducting electro-dynamic suspension train with electromagnetic and sky-hook damping methods

Abstract

The superconducting electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train, which has reached a manned speed of 603 km/h in 2015, and is therefore regarded as one of the most attractive technologies for the higher speed train. In the superconducting EDS train, the discrete layout of ground null-flux coils causes the additional electromagnetic ripples towards the bogies, making the vibration control more essential to ensure the running performance. In this work, a fourteen-degree-of-freedom dynamics model of superconducting EDS train, was established to explore the effective strategy for vibration reduction. This model uses the time domain wave of track irregularity spectrum as the input of vehicle system. MATLAB/Simulink and "Zhai’s method" are both adopted to solve the vehicle dynamic model and validate the model. Using these models, the effectiveness of the proportional force and maximum force for the primary suspension was examined. The results show that the maximum force strategy has advantage over the proportional force strategy in terms of energy consumption and vibration sensitiveness. However, the electromagnetic damping control can only suppress the vibration of bogie. To achieve an overall vibration control, the "ON-OFF" sky-hook damping was further introduced to the secondary suspension to suppress the vibration of car body. We find that, the control effect is preferable with the damping value being between 5 kN·s/m and 10 kN·s/m. Therefore, the cooperative control, considering both the primary and secondary suspensions, is necessary to meet the Urban Tracked Aircushion Vehicle Standard and provide theoretical supports for the suspension design of superconducting EDS train.