An electromagnetic launcher with magnetic levitation realized based on vector control

One electromagnetic launcher structure is proposed based on the principle of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Without additional levitation structures adopted, the magnetic levitation of the mover is realized by the current vector control, i.e., the stator excitation currents are controlled to generate two force components in the d-q coordinate system; the q-axis component is the propulsive or attractive force for the launching, while the d-axis component is used to levitate the mover at one stable position. The structure, design, and control of the proposed launcher are discussed based on the analysis.