Calculation and optimization of the magnets for an electromagnetic levitation system

The calculation of the static behavior of the magnets of an electromagnetic levitation system can be performed using a numerical field calculation method. The agreement of measured with calculated values is satisfactory. Besides the excitation losses of the magnets, there are also losses due to eddy currents in the rails. Some measurements, calculations, and important parameters for these eddy current effects are also discussed. Not only the analysis of the magnets but also the design, optimized with regard to certain conditions is important. Some examples show the optimization of the magnet using a nonlinear optimization method. The paper closes with the description of the dynamic behavior of the magnet using different linear and nonlinear models.