Normal Force Elimination in Single-Sided Linear Induction Motor Using Design Parameters

In this article, the normal force acting on the primary of single-sided linear induction motors (SLIMs) is analytically derived. Considering all phenomena involved, the effects of different design variables on the normal force are investigated. In some applications such as transportation systems, the normal force elimination may be required or strongly beneficial, and, in this article, a multi-objective design optimization method based on genetic algorithm is introduced for this purpose, both with and without consideration of primary weight effect. All significant design variables are considered in the optimization. The results show that the motor performance is improved and the normal force is eliminated by an appropriate selection of design variables. To evaluate optimization effectiveness, a laboratory prototype has been constructed, tested, and numerically simulated by finite element analysis (FEA). Comparing the experimental and FEA results with analytical predictions confirms the accuracy and usefulness of the proposed design methodology.