Characteristics of a Heteropolar Linear Synchronous Machine with Passive Secondary

Test results are presented for a novel form of heteropolar linear synchronous machine. The results show that the machine is capable of providing both thrust and lift force at relatively high efficiencies and power factors. A simple control scheme is described that enables independent variation of lift and thrust to be made. This is accomplished by the use of `constant-current¿¿ supplies and operation at a fixed torque angle of 90¿¿. Design formulas are derived, and performance predictions obtained from them are shown to agree well with the test results.