Reduction of Vibrations in Maglev Vehicles Using Active Primary and Secondary Suspension Control

Abstract

In the superconducting magnetically levitated transport (Maglev) system, the vehicles travel at high speeds of over 500 km/h and have car bodies that are light in weight, resulting in vibrations that affect the ride comfort. Vibration reduction methods discussed in this report include prior examinations of superconducting magnets resiliently mounted on to the bogie frame to reduce vibrations in the primary suspension, and semi-active vibration control of the secondary suspension. The authors performed simulations applying electromagnetic forces from a linear generator device to control the primary suspension between the bogies and guideway, and controlling actuators in the secondary suspension between the car body and bogies. The results verified the basic effectiveness of combining control methods of the primary and secondary suspension to reduce vehicle vibrations.