Eddy Current Brake Research Articles

Development and Experiment of Superconducting Eddy Current Braking Prototype Device

An experimental superconducting eddy current braking prototype was designed, constructed and thoroughly evaluated. The components of the apparatus were accurately described, and heat leakage was calculated. The results showed that the heat leakage was 0.53 W at 5 K and 19.2 W at 40 K. The selected cryogenic system met the operational requirements of the apparatus. The fabrication process was outlined, and the apparatus was tested with the integrated cryogenic system. The device successfully cooled to the target temperature. The circular coil, carrying a current of 180 A, generated a braking force of 0.7 kN at a speed of 400 km/h, while the racetrack coil, at 50 A, produced 0.15 kN at the same speed. The experimental results were consistent with the analysis, demonstrating the successful operation of the prototype throughout the testing phase.

Research on Braking Characteristics of Hybrid Excitation Rotary Eddy Current Retarder

According to the different excitation methods, automotive eddy current retarders (ECRs) can be divided into electrically excited retarders (EERs) and permanent magnet excited retarders (PMERs), and EERs and PMERs have certain complementarity in control and braking characteristics. Therefore, based on literature research, this article proposes a hybrid excitation rotary electromagnetic retarder (HERER) and conducts numerical simulation analysis and experimental research on the braking performance of the HERER. Firstly, the structure and working principle of the HERER are introduced. Secondly, based on the principles of electromagnetics, an equivalent magnetic circuit analysis model of the HERER is established. Then, a finite element analysis model of the HERER is established using Jmag 14 electromagnetic simulation software, and the braking performance of the HERER under different current and speed conditions is studied. Finally, bench tests are conducted on the air loss torque and eddy current braking performance of the HERER. The effectiveness of the finite element analysis model and equivalent magnetic circuit model of the HERER is verified.

Thermal network model of rotary eddy current braking system for transient thermal process analysis

Thermal network model of rotary eddy current braking system for transient thermal process analysis

Analytical modeling of cylindrical eddy current brakes and multi-objective optimization based on game theory

With the research and development of eddy current brake (ECB), today ECBs have been applied in a variety of fields including vibration control and braking of strong impact loads.The application of a new cylindrical structure eddy current brake (ECB) for strong impact braking of large machinery has been discussed recently. Its high-speed and high-kinetic-energy braking conditions require different analytical and optimization design models and methods from what has been addressed in previous studies. For subsequent more engineering-oriented research and optimization, modeling methods are needed, as well as analysis and optimization studies for braking forces and critical speeds of interest. In this work, a magnetic equivalent circuit model is established, and the influence of eddy current induced during application is taken into account by considering it as a magnetomotive force in the model. The braking force is calculated with the MEC model and an approximate electric field cross-section method. A small prototype experiment is carried out and proves the correctness of the proposed model. Using the proposed and FEM model, parameters of the ECB are analyzed. Then, aiming at design objectives of the ECB that are somewhat competitive under this special braking condition, a multi-objective optimization model is established using the Stackelberg game strategy. An FEM model is built and assessed based on optimization results. The results indicate that the multi-objective optimization model based on the Stackelberg game is effective for the design of this ECB structure.

Method for Predicting Linear Eddy Current Braking Performance of the High-Speed Maglev Train Based on Magnetic Circuit Structure

On high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) trains, the linear eddy current brake (LECB) is a key piece of equipment to ensure the safety of train operation. In the event of a sudden failure of the traction motor or the external power grid, braking by the LECB, which comes with the maglev train, is currently the only emergency braking method that can ensure the train can be safely stopped while operating at high speed. The braking performance of eddy current brakes is usually predicted based on symmetrical magnetic equivalent circuits, which usually ignore the interactions between the magnetic circuits. For LECB, such interactions should not be neglected. In this paper, to investigate an accurate and efficient method for predicting the braking performance of LECB for high-speed maglev trains, based on the structural characteristics of LECB and Kirchhoff’s law, a full structural magnetic equivalent circuit model considering the interactions between magnetic circuits is developed, and then combined with the subdomain method, a braking force model, to predict the braking performance of LECB. The performance prediction of LECB with different numbers of magnetic poles is compared with the traditional method using the results of the finite element method and the experimental method as references. The results show that the proposed method is more accurate in predicting the braking performance of LECB and better reflects the physical characteristics of the actual magnetic field.

Thermal-magnetic coupling inhomogeneous temperature field analysis of cylindrical eddy current brakes

With the increasing requirements for safety and reliability, it is now necessary to analyze the thermal characteristics to the same extent as the electromagnetic design for eddy current brakes(ECB), because the working characteristic will be greatly influenced by temperature. In this paper, the transient thermal-magnetic coupling analysis of permanent magnet cylindrical eddy current brake, which is used as the recoil mechanism in artillery, is presented. First, the structure and working principle of this ECB are described in detail. Second, the analytical electromagnetic model is established by multilayer theory to derive the heat source of this ECB. Thirdly, the thermal-magnetic coupling model is established to calculate the dynamic inhomogeneous temperature field of the ECB. The heat conduction equation is solved in different regions with inhomogeneous internal heat source by Finite Difference method(FDM) in two-dimensional cylindrical coordinate. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is verified by commercial Finite Element software. The thermal characteristic and its effects on braking force is analyzed during working. The maximum value of temperature approximately rises by 16℃ in each firing. The braking force will decline by 8% considering temperature.

A low-cost approach to determine the optimum conductor plate thickness of linear permanent magnet eddy current brakes

This paper proposes a low-cost approach to determine the optimum Conductor Plate (CP) thickness without needs for mathematical models and large data volumes, which means that 0.6 times of the Standard Depth of Penetration (SDoP) can be directly selected as the optimum CP thickness without calculation. Firstly, the SDoP is introduced. Then, the influences of speed and conductivity on the optimum CP thickness are investigated. Finally, the relationship between the SDoP and the optimum CP thickness is found. The optimum CP thickness can be selected directly according to the relationship without mathematical models and large data volumes. It not only guarantees high braking force, but also reduces the weight of the LPMECBs as much as possible.

Effect of the material properties of the rotor-disc on the performance of eddy current braking systems

Effect of the material properties of the rotor-disc on the performance of eddy current braking systems

Design and Validation of a Pancake Style Planetary Gearbox for an Eddy Current-Based Wearable Gait Training Robot.

Eddy current brakes have been recently used for functional resistance training in individuals with neurological and orthopaedic disorders. These devices consist of a gearbox, a conductive disc, and permanent magnets that can be moved relative to the disc to alter resistance. However, current devices use a commercial planetary gearbox with a tall profile that sticks out from the leg, which affects wearability. This is coupled with the large system inertia, which together impedes potential device transition to clinical and in-home use. In this study, we developed a low-profile, pancake-style planetary gearbox that greatly reduces the protrusion of the device from the leg. We performed a design analysis and optimization to minimize the thickness and inertia of the device while ensuring that it could withstand the maximum expected torque (50 Nm). We then performed human subjects experiments to examine the effectiveness of our new design for functional resistance training. The results indicated that all leg muscles showed a significant increase in activation during resisted conditions. There were also significant after-effects on medial hamstring activation. These results indicate that the new design is a feasible method for functional resistance training and may have a potential clinical value in gait rehabilitation.

Temperature and cooling analysis of eddy current brake under intense impact load

With the development of eddy current brake (ECB), they are widely used in life and military. Through the ECB, the resistance is converted into thermal energy and dissipated in the air. Thermal energy will make the temperature rise and the heat cannot be dissipated quickly. The electromagnetic characteristics of many parts in the ECB are very sensitive to temperature. Therefore, the study of temperature field is very important for it. This paper takes the linear cylindrical ECB as an example to study the heat generated under the intense impact and high speed condition. The temperature field is calculated through finite element method (FEM) ways. According to the temperature distribution characteristics, the cooling measures of permanent magnet brake are studied to effectively reduce the temperature rise of the brake, ensuring its reliability.

Simulation for the Superconductor Linear Eddy Current Brake of the High-Speed Train

A kind of superconductive coil was designed as the linear eddy current brake for the Electric Multiple Units (EMU). 2D and 3D simulations were carried out on the designed coils. The 2D simulation results showed that the generated braking force could reach 10kN when the train speed was between 28m/s and 110m/s. The simulation results indicated that the reduced gap between the coil and the railway, the increased pole distance, and the increased coil quantity would bring more braking force. The relationship curve between speed and braking force was also investigated during the 2D simulation. The speed of 28m/s and 110m/s was applied with the 3D simulation based on the 2D results. Both the magnetic inducting intensity and the current 180A could meet the requirements of the chosen superconducting wire.

Eddy Current Braking Force Analysis of a Water-Cooled Ironless Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

The ironless linear permanent magnet synchronous motor (ILPMSM) is highly compact, easy to control, and exhibits minimal thrust fluctuations, making it an ideal choice for direct loading applications requiring precise positioning accuracy in linear motor test rigs. To address the issue of temperature rise resulting from increased primary winding current and to simultaneously enhance thrust density while minimizing thrust fluctuations, this paper introduces a bilateral-type ILPMSM with a cooling water jacket integrated between the dual-layer windings of the primary movers. The primary winding of the motor adopts a dual-layer coreless structure where the upper and lower windings are closely spaced and cooled by a non-conductive metal cooling water jacket, while the dual-sided secondary employs a Halbach permanent magnet array. The motor’s overall braking force is a combination of the electromagnetic braking force generated by the energized windings and the eddy current braking force induced on the cooling water jacket. This paper specifically focuses on the analysis of the eddy current braking force. Initially, the motor’s geometry and working principle are presented. Subsequently, the equivalent magnetization intensity method is employed to determine the no-load air gap magnetic density resulting from the Halbach array. An analytical model is then developed to derive expressions for the eddy current density and braking force induced in the water-cooling jacket. The accuracy of the analytical method is validated through finite element analysis. Then, a comparative analysis of the braking forces in two primary cooling structures, namely the inter-cooled type and the two-side cooled type ILPMSM, is conducted. Moreover, the characteristics of the eddy current braking force are thoroughly examined concerning motor size parameters and operating conditions. This paper provides a solid theoretical foundation for the subsequent optimization design of the proposed motor.

Modelling of Eddy Current Braking for EnergyAbsorbing System of Aircraft Arrester Barrier System

Aircraft Arrester Barrier Systems (AABS) are installed near the end of runways for the purpose of arresting combat aircraft due to over shooting of runway length during aborted take-off and emergency landings. Energy Absorbing System (EAS) is one of the important subsystems of AABS. The energy absorber consists of two velocity sensitive turbine type conventional rotary hydraulic energy absorbers. There is no control in conventional EAS on energy absorption during operation of an aircraft emergency arrestment. Also, if there is any problem with conventional EAS during operation complete system fails. For different types of aircrafts different EAS needed. To overcome this problem, we may use the combination of existing conventional EAS and eddy current absorbing system. An Eddy current energy absorbing system works on the principle of Eddy currents. In proposed EAS, braking torque is high and controllable. This will help in stopping any Aircraft (like light weight, heavy weight, etc). In this paper, the proposed eddy current EAS have designed and prototype has been implemented.

Supermagnet Braking System

In this project Super magnet brake is the innovative concept based on the magnetic attraction of the conducting metals. A super magnet brake, like a conventional friction brake, is responsible for slowing an object, such as a train or a roller coaster. Unlike friction brakes, which apply pressure on two separate objects, eddy current brakes slow an object by creating eddy currents through electromagnetic induction which create resistance, and in turn either heat or electricity.

Study on the characteristics of an electromagnetic damping generator

This paper proposes an electromagnetic damping generator (EDG), which is a novel downhole generator for the rotary steerable system (RSS). The EDG is designed to solve the problem of unstable voltage output by the RSS generator. The generator is designed by integrating a traditional generator and an eddy current retarder (ECR). The system converts the excess kinetic energy of the EDG rotor into heating energy by the principle of eddy-current braking and resistance heating. The electromagnetic finite element models of the generator part and ECR part are established and solved by computer. The voltage and torque generated by the generator part and the braking torque of the ECR part are predicted. In the bench test, When the input power is 2537 W < Pinput < 3304 W, the EDG is able to output 300.8 V. When the input power is 3304 W, the output voltage of the ordinary generator is 346 V. The EDG can be adjusted by a decrement of up to 45.2 V to output the rated voltage. The problem of generator output voltage instability in the RSS is solved when mud flow is unstable.

Neuromodel of an Eddy Current Brake for Load Emulation

The eddy current brake (ECB) is an electromechanical energy conversion device that can be used as a load emulator to load a motor according to the intended load scenario. However, conducting an analysis in the time domain is difficult due to its complex behavior involving mechanical, electrical, and magnetic phenomena. The challenges with the time domain analysis of the ECB require new modeling approaches that provide reliability, robustness, and controllability over a wide speed interval. If the ECB can be modeled with high accuracy, it can be controlled like a load emulator that can simulate nonlinear industrial loads. This paper describes a neuromodeling approach taken to develop an ECB. The nonlinear characteristic of the brake system was modeled with a high performance by using an artificial neural network (ANN), which is a potent nonlinear system identification tool. Several characteristics of a designed and optimized brake system undergoing various excitation currents in whole speed regions are described and verified experimentally. Eventually, an electromechanical brake system is proposed that aims to provide the required linear or nonlinear load model dynamics throughout an emulation process in line with the obtained neuromodel. To identify the most suitable ANN architecture for the problem, various ANN configurations, ranging from 1 neuron to 20 neurons in the hidden layer, as well as a statistical approach that differs from the existing literature, are presented. Additionally, the suggested model’s scalability is discussed.

Accurate and Simple Modeling of Eddy Current Braking Torque: Analysis and Experimental Validation

A compact, reliable and straightforward mathematical modeling of the eddy current braking torque is proposed in this paper. First, the braking magnetic force, which curbs the movement of a rotating disk (RD) is evaluated using the basic laws of electromagnetism. Second, the braking torque is related to the braking force through a polynomial function model. The model parameters are evaluated by plugging in measurement samples in the equation of motion taking into account the nonlinear behaviour of the aerodynamic drag forces. The proposed model neither has limitations on the braking system geometry nor the disk rotational speed as long as measurement samples cover whole speed range. Moreover, it is validated experimentally for constant and alternating magnetic flux profiles with best fit rates (BFRs) more than 85% and 93% for both rotational velocity and braking torque, respectively. Furthermore, programmable braking application is demonstrated using the proposed approach and its applicability is verified experimentally.

Self-Attenuation of Drillstring Torsional Vibrations Using Distributed Dampers

Summary During drilling operations, drillstring vibrations cause many downhole dysfunctions, resulting in underperformance, equipment failure, and possibly wellbore damage. Current drillstring vibration mitigation solutions are generally located at a single site, either at the topdrive or close to the bit. However, because the sources of vibration excitation are distributed along the whole drillstring, these single-point vibration damping solutions do not succeed in removing all vibration modes. A distributed vibration damping solution is investigated, wherein damping subs are placed at intervals along the drillstring. The drillpipe rotates on bearings inside the damping subs, thereby reducing mechanical torque. The damping sub has a slightly larger diameter than the neighboring tool joints, lifting the drillstring off the borehole wall and thus eliminating most of the mechanical friction between the damping subs. Viscous friction is introduced in the form of rotary eddy current brakes within the damping subs, which cause the damping of torsional oscillations. The damping sub moves axially on spur wheels supported by bearings, thereby reducing drag forces. The decoupling of rotary and axial movement is a key element for removing a source of excitation. Simulations made with a 4n degree-of-freedom (DOF) transient torque and drag model confirm the expected results. The results of simulations for a use case based on a complex 3D trajectory are presented. With damping subs every 30 m and a damping coefficient of 20 N·s/rd, the topdrive torque is reduced to 40% of that of a plain drillstring, and torsional stability is obtained across the topdrive speed range of 60 to 180 rev/min. By comparison, conventional nonrotating pipe protectors (NRPPs) would have reduced the topdrive torque to 30%, but torsional stability would have not been achieved because the expected damping coefficient was less than 0.02 N·s/rd. The design of the damping sub relies on readily available technological components that can sustain very high pressures and temperatures. The damping subs are therefore compatible with high-pressure/high-temperature applications, including geothermal drilling.

Braking force characteristics and multi-objective optimization of eddy current brake under intensive impact load

As a new type of permanent magnet arrangement in the eddy current brake (ECB), the Halbach array is gradually gaining attention thanks to its excellent magnetic field utilization. However, the absence of an accurate theoretical model causes great distress in the design phase of the ECB. To tackle this, this article establishes a subdomain model that can intuitively observe the influence of structural and material parameters on the magnetic field and eddy current braking force. The accuracy of the analytical model is verified by the finite element method (FEM). The calculation results show that the eddy current braking force is the largest when the relative velocity of the primary and secondary reaches the critical velocity value. The recoil equation of motion is introduced to analyze the change law of the braking force under intensive impact load. A small prototype impact test platform was set up to analyze the change of braking characteristics of the ECB under the impact load. To reduce the weight of the ECB, the multi-objective optimization of the ECB parameters is carried out. The vital structural mass of the ECB is reduced by 19.44% while meeting the recoil requirements.

Calculation and Characterization of Braking Performance for Rail Eddy Current Brake With AC Excited Ring-Winding Armature

With the continuous increases of the train speed, the braking device that relies on the wheel-rail adhesion has approached its acceptable speed limit. Compared with traditional friction brakes, eddy current brakes (ECBs) have the advantages of non-wheel-rail contact, fast response, low noise, wide application range, and no pollution. This study describes an ECB with AC excitation based on Faraday's law. The two-dimensional analytical model of ECB is established by the sub-domain method. Then, the experiment system of rail ECB is designed and built to test the braking characteristics. The authenticity of mathematical model is verified by experimental results. The research indicated that braking force increased at first and reached a maximum value, then slowly decreased with the increase of speed, while normal attractive force was always reduced. This characteristic matches the requirements of high-speed trains with large braking force and low normal force, which makes it a great option for auxiliary braking mechanism in the high-speed trains.