Dynamics and control requirements for EMS Maglev suspensions

Any Maglev suspension, whatever the technology must both support the weight of vehicle and provide guidance such that the vehicle follows the intended variations in the track position, whilst at the same time providing a suitable level of isolation from the track irregularities. A number of the functions are in conflict, and this paper provides a quantatitive overview of the general requirements for suspensions, focussed upon and interpreted for Maglev. This paper then describes the way in which the control strategy was developed for the Birmingham Airport Maglev vehicle electro-magnetic suspension, which operated successfully in the UK for more than ten years, in particular to take account of these suspension requirements, the key message being the interactive requirements of the dynamics and control issues.