Decoupled-control method for levitation and propulsion in amphibious train marine-express

Computer simulations with the JR's MLU002 has made simply clear a feasibility of the Marine-Express (ME), which is an amphibious superconducting Maglev train able to run on land and under the water. This paper presents a unique method for levitation and propulsion suitable for the ME which can be applied quite independently of train speeds. The method is based on a new combined levitation and propulsion which is due to lift and thrust forces produced in linear synchronous motor (LSM). This paper also presents decoupled-control method for the combined system in which levitation and propulsion commands should be satisfied independently. Decoupled-control method for levitation and propulsion is derived from analytical formulas for lift and thrust forces in which armature-current and mechanical load-angle are included explicitly. ME02 is the second model of a unique LSM car which is designed to travel underwater based on the new theory for the ME proposed here. ME02 is a simulator for the ME running on land and under the water. In order to carry out real-time calculation control at high speed, DSP is applied in the experimental system. An approximation method suitable for DSP is presented which is based on 2-dimensional interpolation for armature-current and mechanical load-angle. The proposed decoupled-control method is verified from dynamics simulations in ME02.