ANSYS Simulation Based Comparative Study between Different Actuators and Guide-ways used in DC Electromagnetic Suspension Systems

Magnetic levitation is a popular topic of research over the years throughout the world due to its wide range of industrial applications. In any DC attraction type suspension system, actuator and guide-way (rail) plays most important role. In this manuscript FEM based analysis of different structures of actuator and rail (guide-way) has been carried out utilizing ANSYS software. Input power to lift power ratio and lift power magnet weight ratio are two major factors for designing actuator and rail in electromagnetic levitation system (EMLS) [1]. These factors are dependent on the magnet dimensions, required gap flux and hence the required current density in the winding. The magnet configurations chosen on the basis of required pole-face area and necessary window area to house the excitation coils. There are various magnet and rail geometries; i.e. magnet with I, U and E profiles and various winding arrangements with flat and U-profile rail. A FEM analysis utilizing ANSYS software has done to find out the flux pattern, working flux density, field intensity, force etc. for different single actuator based levitation system at different operating conditions. Different aspects of rail and actuator have been described based on the ANSYS simulation results. The main objective is to propose a suitable configuration of actuator and guide-rail for a specific DC electromagnetic levitation system.