Force Optimization of a Double-Sided Tubular Linear Induction Motor

An innovative double-sided tubular linear induction motor is presented, and its optimal design in terms of thrust force is discussed. A dedicated semi-analytical model of the device is developed allowing for fast and accurate evaluation of all the electromechanic quantities in the device, including the thrust force, back-electromotive force, distribution of the induced current, and average magnetic flux density in the teeth. This provides a basis for the design optimization, which has been performed by a novel evolutionary algorithm based on the self-organizing maps. Using the semi-analytical formulation, the characterization of the machine is greatly facilitated, thus allowing a fast evaluation of the cost function and design constraints. Finally, the obtained optimal design is validated by comparison with finite elements method analysis.