Levitation and thrust control of a Maglev LCD glass conveyor

In this paper, the levitation and thrust control of a magnetically levitated (Maglev) LCD glass conveyor is introduced. In order to levitate the conveyor system, electromagnets (EM) and permanent magnets (PM) are used together. Due to the use of the PM, power consumption for levitation can be significantly reduced. To thrust the vehicle, a linear induction motor (LIM) is designed and installed. Power required for the levitation and thrust is supplied from a contactless power supply (CPS), hence completely contactless operation is possible. The levitation electromagnets are controlled to maintain a constant air gap. Dual gap sensors are used for one electromagnet and the combination of the sensors decreases air gap fluctuation when the vehicle is passing by the rail joints. Precise thrust control with velocity profile generation is proposed for loading and unloading of payloads at desired positions. Simulations and experimental results are given to verify the levitation and thrust control.