Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Novel Maglev Coupling Based on Opposed Halbach Array for a 2D Valve

Abstract

In this paper, a novel maglev coupling based on the opposed Halbach array is proposed as the interface between the linear electro-mechanical converter and 2D valve body. This non-contact maglev coupling possesses several advantages over existing mechanical couplings such as zero friction and wear, low vibration and noise, and no lubrication, which is expected to greatly improve the control accuracy and life cycle of the 2D valve. A detailed analytical model of maglev coupling is established based on the electro-magnetic theory. Firstly, the permanent magnets of the Halbach array is decomposed into several types of basic elements to obtain their individual analytical expressions, which are then re-superimposed into the whole coupling to obtain the analytical formula of torque–displacement characteristics. In order to obtain maximum output torque of maglev coupling, a parametric analysis was performed using an analytical model and optimal pitch angle and shifted distance was explored and found. To verify the correctness of the analytical modelling and parametric analysis results, the torque–displacement characteristics were also studied through both the FEM simulation and experimental approach. The results of analytical modelling, FEM simulation and experiment were in a good agreement, which shows that the maximum magnetic torque can reach about 0.579 N·m when the external armature displacement is 1 mm. The research work provides an important reference for the future application of maglev coupling in a 2D valve.

Keywords

• maglev coupling
• 2D valve
• opposed Halbach array
• analytical modelling