Simulation of Force Generation Above Magnetic Tracks for Superconducting Levitation Systems

Superconducting levitation systems mainly use permanent magnetic tracks to generate the magnetic field required for levitation. However, switchable tracks are necessary for crossings or turnouts. We present flux density simulations, which show the applicability of a concept combining permanent magnets with electromagnets to realize such a switchable track segment. Both tracks were simulated together with a superconducting bulk in order to calculate and compare the levitation force of both track types. A similar levitation force was achieved by the simulation of the permanent magnetic track as for measurements of the same setup. Simulations of the zero-field cooling setup proved the concept and indicate how the different magnetic fields above both tracks influence the levitation force. Nevertheless, the levitation force reduction due to magnetic field difference is small enough to maintain stable levitation when transitioning from the permanent magnetic track to the switchable.