Proposal and Performance Evaluation of the Short Primary LIM with the Secondary Sections Connected by the Conductive Wire

In this paper, we propose a boundary structure for improving performances of Single-sided Linear Induction Motors (SLIMS). In such machines, solid-plate conductors and back irons are usually used for secondary stators throughout operating regions. However, to take account of deformation due to thermal expansions, secondary stators are constructed from some sections of limited length. Therefore, a propulsive force characteristic declines when the primary armature crosses the boundary between secondary sections. In this study, by adopting a three-dimensional finite element method, detailed phenomena at the boundary between secondary sections have been clarified from the viewpoint of propulsive force and secondary current distributions. Besides the validity of calculated results is verified by the measured results. Further, to suppress the aggravation of characteristic caused by the secondary structural transition, we connect the secondary sections electrically. Finally, the propulsive force characteristic has been improved in spite of the existence of the boundary.