High Air Gap Linear Induction Motor Fast Simulation

Abstract

The linear induction motor is mainly adopted for traction or motion transmission applications. Some advantages of linear induction motors are: a direct electromagnetic thrust propulsion (no need of mechanical transmissions), low maintenance costs and precision linear positioning; on the other hand, this motor topology has low power factor and efficiency, longitudinal and transversal edge-effect. This paper proposes a novel fast simulation method to evaluate the performance and machine parameters of a double-sided linear induction motor via 2-D finite element analysis considering both a magnetic time-harmonic and magnetostatic problems. The thrust force is computed tuning the secondary aluminum plate resistivity as a function of the path length of the induced eddy currents due to the fundamental of the air gap magnetomotive force. The proposed method has been verified via several 2-D finite element simulations and validated with experimental tests.