Speed-based multiobjective optimisation of a cage-secondary permanent magnet linear eddy current brake

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes a multiobjective optimisation scheme for a new cage-secondary permanent magnet linear eddy current brake, where the secondary is designed to own the cage configuration with variable parameters. This unique structure is suitable for applying to the high-speed rail transit braking system. Via speed-based multiobjective optimisation for this eddy current brake, the objectives of short braking distance, light weight, and low manufacturing cost can be achieved. First, the detailed structure and principle are described. Second, the braking force performance is accurately predicted by the proposed 3D analytical method. And the influence of secondary materials and secondary parameter values on braking force performance in all speed ranges is analysed. Third, the sensitivity of the optimisation design variables is analysed by the gene distribution maps. Then, the genetic algorithm based on the analytical model is used for multiobjective optimisation in all speed ranges and the best design scheme is selected. Finally, the accuracy of optimisation and the analytical model is verified by prototype experiment and simulation.

KEYWORDS:

• Eddy current brake
• multiobjective optimisation
• speed range
• permanent magnet (PM)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51877051].

Notes on contributors

Wen Chen

Wen Chen was born in Heilongjiang, China. She received the B.E. degree in electrical engineering from the Hunan University, Hunan, China, in 2011 and the M.E. degree in electrical engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China, in 2013. Since 2016, she has been with the Institute of Electromagnetic and Electronic Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, as a PhD candidate. Meanwhile, since 2015, she has been a lecturer with the School of Automation, Harbin University of Science and Technology. Her research interests include design and optimisation of novel linear electromagnetic machines.

Baoquan Kou

Baoquan Kou was born in Heilongjiang, China. He received the D.E. degree from the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China, in 2004. Since 2007, he has been a Professor with the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology. His research areas include electric drive of electric vehicles, linear motors and linear electromagnetic drives, control of the power quality, and superconducting motors.

Mengyao Wang

Mengyao Wang received the B.E. degree in the School of Electrical Engineering from Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China, in 2015, and the M.E. degree also in the Department of Electrical Engineering in 2017 from the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China. She is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the Department of Electrical Engineering, HIT. Her current research interests include the eddy current brakings or couplings.

Xv Niu

Xu Niu received the B.E. and M.E. degrees from Harbin Institute of Technology, China, in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Since 2019, he has been with the Institute of Electromagnetic and Electronic Technology, HIT, as a doctoral candidate. His research interests include design and optimisation of eddy current brakes.