Method and system for generating power on a magnetically levitated vehicle

Abstract

A method and system of generating power on a magnetically levitated vehicle. The vehicle includes a set of magnets and is supported for movement along a guideway having a multitude of traction conductors. An alternating current is conducted through these conductors to generate a moving electromagnetic field to propel the vehicle along the guideway The method includes the step of locating a plurality of electrically conductive power generation coils on the vehicle magnet, adjacent the guideway, so that harmonic components of the electromagnetic field generate a first electromagnetic force on the power generation coils. The method also includes: the step of conducting a single phase current through the traction conductors to generate a second electromagnetic force on the power generation coils. These first and second electromagnetic forces produce a current in the power generation coils that may be used to supply power on the vehicle. The first of these electromagnetic forces is dependent on the speed of the vehicle along the guideway. Thus, preferably, the magnitude of the second of these electromagnetic forces is varied to insure that adequate power is available on the vehicle at all speeds.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.