Analysis and optimal design of transverse flux linear motor with PM excitation for railway traction

The design optimisation of geometrical dimensions and parameters of the magnetically excited transverse flux linear motor (TFM-LM) used in railway traction systems is presented. The optimisation is achieved using the 3D-FE field program. Optimisation of the design begins with the basic configuration of the TFM-LM using geometrical dimensions and electrical parameters determined by analytical expressions. The analytical relations used in the basic design are obtained from the magnetic equivalent circuit for the TFM-LM model with short primary for railway traction. The aim of this optimisation process is to improve the traction force per primary weight and to obtain an ideal proportion between the normal force and the traction force. To verify the design optimisation, the computed forces are compared with the experimentally measured forces detected on the experimental setup of the TFM-LM.