Contributed FAQ courtesy H2W Technologies || Linear-induction motors work in applications that require rapid movement of large payloads.  Linear-induction motors can output speeds to 1,800 in. per second (45 m/sec) or more …

… and accelerations from 3 to 4 g.  Standard LIMs can produce forces in the range of 720 lb (3,200 N) at a 3% duty cycle.  Multiple motors can be used in conjunction with each other to generate larger forces.

LIMs can be found in theme park rides, water rides, people moving systems, high speed transportation and maglev propulsion applications.  Here are some well-known examples:

Linear-induction motors application: Hyperloop

The Hyperloop is a concept for a future mode of transportation — a high-speed transport system for passengers and goods that in theory will use reduced-pressure tubes, pressurized pods, linear induction motors, and air compressors.

Linear induction motors could soon work in these systems to propel and decelerate the pods over the tracks and through the tubes.  LIMs are reversible, so the same motor that propels the pod in one direction down the track could propel the pod back to where it started.  The pods could potentially float on an air bearing to eliminate friction.

Linear-induction motors application:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Resort

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the first roller coasters to use linear induction motors to accelerate cars out of the station.  This allows the cars to start moving at high speeds from a stationary state, without the typical hill-and-chain start.  The LIMs are also used to park cars in storage.

Linear-induction motors application:
California Screamin’ at Disneyland Resort

California Screamin’ uses LIMs to launch the cars of the roller coaster.  They are also used into the ride to accelerate the cars as they travel over the hills.  In a similar setup on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority at Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom Park) linear-induction motors power the People Mover … so that the large cars advance at smooth and slow speeds through Tomorrowland.

Linear-induction motors application: Dawwama at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island: The first section of Yas Island’s Dawwama water coaster is powered by LIMS.  At each of the hills, the linear induction motors launch the tubes through the uphill sections.  This method of propulsion in water coasters is called hydromagnetic technology.

Linear-induction motors application: Thunder Rapids in White Water Bay, Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Thunder Rapids, to open in 2017, will be the first water coaster is the USA to use hydromagnetic technology.  Linear induction motors combine with turbine technology to keep the tube speeding along the slide and over the hills.

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H2W Technologies Inc. is dedicated to the design and manufacture of linear and rotary motion products that are used in the motion control industry. The complete line of linear electric motors includes: Single and dual axis linear steppers, DC brush and brushless linear motors, voice coil actuators, and AC induction motors. Also offered is a complete line of ball screw, lead screw and belt driven positioning stages.

Other motion control products include: Limited angle torque motors for compact, limited angular excursion rotary servo applications, 3 phase brushless rotary servo motors with matching digital servo amplifiers and permanent magnet linear brakes for fail-safe, zero power braking for baggage handling and people moving applications as well as amusement park rides.

With over 75 years combined experience in the linear and rotary motion field, the H2W Technologies team of engineers offers the optimal solution to the most demanding motion control, requirements. For more information, visit www.h2wtech.com.