LIMs are now used to launch steel roller coasters

DESCRIPTION  

Power Superconductor linear induction motors combine direct-drive, high-thrust with an ultra high-strength vehicle mounted reaction rail.  All forces are transmitted over a 2-5 mm airgap from the beryllium-copper flat reaction rail to the stator assembly mounted on the guidway. The LIM catapult motor is designed for either a repulsive or neutral vertical force; there is no magnetic attraction between the reaction rail and the stator.  The airgap may be filled with water, oil or any non-ferromagnetic fluid. The position of the reaction rail is detected by an optical or capacitive sensor and used to control frequency and phase angle of the inverter power supply in a closed loop control.  This allows very fast accelerations and decelerations of the reaction rail along the stator guideway with positioning resolution of +/- 5 mm.

The epoxy-encapsulated stator assembly is composed of a copper-wound magnetic core using high permeability cobalt silicon steel.  Custom widths and special lengths are available on request.  Windings with ratings from 240 volts to 4160 volts are available depending on the kW rating.  The reaction rail is composed of beryllium-copper for high-duty cycle operations.  High Power Density Models LIM-CAT-1200 and LIM-CAT-2100 have water cooled stator windings.  Standard models are force air cooled.

Typical applications include aircraft catapults, locomotive test stands, ejector seat testing, metal forming and amusement park rides.

Military specification and EMC Shielded motors available on request.

LIMs are now a popular method of launching steel roller coaster carriages up to 70 mph on a horizontal take-off zone and not requiring an uphill start ramp. LIMs provide instant acceleration of the roller coaster up to 2 G's prior to its path through a 360⁰ loop  or triple corkscrew route. They are also used to brake roller coasters using electrodynamic forces up to a specific density of 35 kN/sq m.

CHARACTERISTICS
* Force ratings: 2,500-28,000 N/module
* Fast response, accelerations up to 120 G's
* No mechanical or frictional parts
* Uniform acceleration at all speeds
* Available speed range 5-150 m/s
* Hermetically sealed, oil resistant stator
* Explosion proof reaction rail and stator
* High resolution with closed-loop control
* Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) inverter
* NEMA Class H temperature stator

OPTIONS
* 6-G Acceleration
* Roller coaster block brake
* LIM emergency brake

WARRANTY
Five year warranty on all units-the longest
warranty in the linear motor industry.

 

POWER SUPERCONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS CORPORATION
930 Cass Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Laboratory Telephone:724-652-8610
Office Telephone:412-824-5062
E-Mail: psacorp@peoplepc.com

 Click here to see Linear Induction Catapult Motor Specifications