Transient Analysis of Line-Start Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motors

This paper focuses on the transient modelling of a specific type of permanent magnet linear synchronous machine designed for line-start operation. The machine uses conductive ladders embedded in the mover to realise a permanent-magnet machine capable of line-start operation. Transient modelling of this type of machine under line-start conditions is critical to optimising machine design, and electrical and mechanical performance prediction, which leads us to devise a novel set of matrices of electrical parameters first. These matrices are developed considering both the impact of the conductive ladders and the longitudinal end effect based on electromagnetic field analysis. The model is then suitable for numerical computation in typical simulation environments. This yields a sufficiently accurate transient model that is verified by experimental results. Hence our novel model, that includes the longitudinal end effects and the effects of conductive ladders, is proven effective in predicting the line-start transients and associated electrical and mechanical performance. The novel model assists in the design optimisation stage where a compromise between synchronised performance and line-start operation is required. The novel machine type can then be investigated as a competitive candidate topology in various applications including electromagnetic launch.