Design of a Single-Sided Linear Induction Motor

Student: Viet Hoang

Supervisor: Geoffrey Walker

Category: Engineering Thesis Project - Power

Linear induction motors (LIM) are used in many different applications, from slow moving sliding doors to high-speed trains around the world. Anything that requires linear motion will require a LIM. The primary goal is to analyse a small laboratory sized single-sided linear induction motor (SLIM) for educational aid.

The idea of a LIM had been suggested in 1895 and was first developed by an English Electrical Engineer, Eric Laithwaite. He spent the rest of his career investigating these special machines. His colleagues are currently designing a launch system with linear motors, which is a more efficient alternative to the rockets used to launch spacecrafts.

LIM operates on the same principle as the conventional rotary motor. The rotary motor is cut out and laid flat to form the equivalent LIM. Nothing has changed, only the direction of motion has changed.

This thesis describes the design and implementation of the stator component of a SLIM. The stator winding design is particularly important, many different designs will be evaluated and analysed before achieving the final desired design. The completion of the stator design is necessary in order to analyse a SLIM.

As a result, the stator is built with steel laminations; having 2-poles and wound with a double layer type. The design also incorporated many effects, which are associated with LIMs.

Thesis Document (PDF)

Poster Presentation (PDF)