MagLev Elevator +

Salient points of the project The basic difference between a mechanical or a hydraulic elevator and a MagLev elevator is that it is based on electromagnetic suspension. Two electromagnetic systems will be used in this elevator. One system of axial wires and circular coils attached to the elevator will counteract the effect of gravity, suspending the elevator. The coils would be repelled by the wires thus ensuring higher stability (making sure that the coils don’t hit against the wire). The coils would have a surface current going radially outwards on which the force would act in the vertical direction. These coils would be strongly connected to the capsule, thus levitating the capsule.

Another system of Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS) ( only the motion part) would be used to move the elevator up or down. The principle of the motion is that there will be electromagnet coils on the undercarriage of the elevator and also on the outer frame. These coils will attract or repel (as per the relative position of the elevator) the capsule, thus culminating in motion The relative position of the electromagnets and the capsule would be calculated using IR proximity detectors, whose output would be fed to the control system, which will regulate the direction of current in the outer electromagnets, thus achieving attraction or repulsion. The lift would also have buffer zones at the bottom and the top which will have a very high perpetual repelling magnetic field thus ensuring the safety of the elevator.

Motion system of the elevator

Challenges of the Project The two control systems of the EDS and the stability will be complex to design. The physics of the system( the calculations for the current and other parameters for suspension and motion) would be challenging.

Pros of the Maglev Elevator There is less friction due to no contact between the pulley and the suspension rope. Therefore higher speeds can be attained, which is useful in tall skyscrapers. Also the power required for the elevator would be reduced. Due to the use of electromagnetism, the elevator can have a higher weight to power ration than a normal elevator. The safety system using electric buffers would be a failsafe. Such a design would be better suited to electrical 21st century than a mechanical elevator.

Prototype Scale The Outer elevator frame would be cylindrical with diameter of 6ft. The height of the frame would be about 20 ft. The elevator capsule would be coaxial with the frame and would be cylindrical with a height of 4.5 ft and a radius of 2 ft. There would be at least 3 ‘floors’ for the elevator so that the control systems could be tested out properly.

Feasibility of the project In a normal elevator the power provided from the source would be required to do two kinds of work. The first would be the work required to raise the elevator (or retard it) and the second would be the work done against friction. In Maglev elevator the power from the source is not wasted upon friction, which minimizes losses. As the working of the elevator is based on the principle laws of electromagnetism (creation of magnetic field due to current, force on a conductor due to magnetic field), the elevator design can be practically attained and is feasible. Moreover the construction of the elevator (exterior frames and the capsule) would be difficult but quite possible within the timeframe.

Timeline now-May 1 - Principle and Design and calculations May1-May2 - Outer skeleton and movement electromagnets May22-June10 - The main lift capsule June11-Shaastra - Control system of the elevator Team Members Abhiram Iyer ME07B070 Jamuna 255 Aditya Nandakumar MM07B035 Ganga 273 B Rajat Sharma EE07B067 Pamba 547 M.V.S.R. Ajay CE07B002 Mandak 148 5 Krishna Chaitanya CE07B019 Mandak 163