Improving the Performance of Single-Sided Linear Induction Motors Using Edge-End Effects Reduction Technique

Summary

The study is aimed at modeling a single sided induction motor (SLIM) which will accelerate an elevator of a
specified weight to a target distance with high thrust and efficiency by reducing end-edge effects on the
motors. The observable problems associated with the motors are mainly due to end-edge effects arising from
poor choices of magnetic air-gap, number of poles and thickness of the rotor aluminum. The methodology
involves developing an analytical and interactive MATLAB simulation program tool that incorporates wire
gauge variation and slot/tooth ratio (WGVSTR) algorithm. Using this algorithm the optimum values of the
three critical parameters which determine edge-end effects were determined to be 10mm for air-gap, 4mm
for aluminum rotor thickness and 4 for the number of poles of the system, and consequently the equivalent
goodness factor was calculated. Based on the goodness factor and target thrust of 27KN the desired
machine was designed and evaluated. The evaluation showed that the obtainable output thrust is 26560N
while the efficiency is 88.25% without load. Loading tests on the elevator showed an optimum load of
2280kg and a maximum load of 2430kg, while the effective machine thrust is 26530N at efficiency of
85.37%. It can therefore be concluded that a single-sided linear induction motor with short primary is a
suitable electric motor to fulfill all the demands of modern elevator system.

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