A Device to Measure Force Angle of a Linear Synchronous Motor

A force angle measurement device capable of measuring the displacement between the fundamental fields established by the linear synchronous motor (LSM) vehicle magnets and the three phase track is described. The paper indicates that the force angle is fundamental to the understanding of the LSM steady state and transient behaviour and effective operation will necessarily include control of this angle. Tests on a small model facility show the device operating over a 360°range. Results are shown for the vehicle during steady state and transient conditions.