An integrated vehicle and electromagnetic propulsion unit for a high-speed material transport system

The concept of a high-speed, high-acceleration, material transport system based on distributed linear induction motors, power conversion and controllers interconnected via a high-speed communication network is proposed for flexible manufacturing systems. The authors focus on one aspect of the proposed transport system, the integrated electromagnetic propulsion unit, and highlight the associated key technologies that are currently under development. The technologies include linear motor topological design; articulated vehicle dynamics; observer-based motion control; and distributed power conversion. Central to each of these technologies are the issues of system robustness and high performance in terms of high acceleration, high velocities, and control.<>