Applications of magnetic levitation

[Pranav Jha]

i am a high school student and have designed a magnetic levitation system for my school science fair.
The circuit used is: http://uzzors2k.4hv.org/projectfiles/magneticlevitator/Magnetic Levitator circuit.GIF
However, i would like to scale up the project and find some REAL WORLD applications for the system. I have been thinking about this for two days now but haven't come up with anything yet.
One idea would be an earthquake detector (need to think about that)
Has anyone got anything else in mind?
(P.S.: As soon as possible)

 

[JaredJames]

You'd need two electro magnets to get this to levitate.

The way you've set it up now (from that colour image) it would simply attract to the metal rail at the bottom and stick to it.

 

[Pranav Jha]

You'd need two electro magnets to get this to levitate.

The way you've set it up now (from that colour image) it would simply attract to the metal rail at the bottom and stick to it.

This circuit works by comparing the signals from the sensors with the first op-amp and sending out a voltage proportional to the difference or "error". The error signal is then sent through a compensation network which acts a high-pass filter, allowing quick changes in error to pass easier than slow changes. This is required to stabilize the control loop, and without it objects would just flutter close to the electromagnet due to the system being unstable. The signal is then amplified to it's original amplitude, since the compensation network attenuated it, and finally drives the TIP122 Darlington transistor, which controls the electromagnet current. The extra diodes around the transistor are to prevent damage to the transistor. The signal diode on the base prevents reverse biasing the base, which is damaging, while the two 1N4001's give a path for the magnetizing current to flow when the electromagnet turns off. The optical components used aren't too critical, as long as their wavelengths match up ok, and the detection/emission angles aren't too narrow. The IR LEDs are TIL38, which are 940nm peak, have 15 degree spread, 35mW and 100mA max. The detectors are PT204-6B, which are IR phototransistors.

 

[JaredJames]

Ah, I was thinking that but I'm not the best at electronics so didn't want to comment on the wrong thing (which I ended up doing anyway).

 

[alphy]

That's great that you have designed a magnetic levitation system for your school science fair! Magnetic levitation has many potential applications in various industries, such as transportation, energy, and medical technology. Let me provide some examples of how magnetic levitation can be used in the real world.

1. Transportation: One of the most well-known applications of magnetic levitation is in high-speed trains, also known as maglev trains. These trains use magnetic levitation to float above the tracks, reducing friction and allowing them to reach speeds of up to 300 mph. This technology is currently being used in countries like Japan, China, and Germany, and is being researched for future use in other countries.

2. Energy: Magnetic levitation can also be used in renewable energy generation. Wind turbines with magnetic levitation systems can rotate without any physical contact, reducing wear and tear and increasing efficiency. This technology is still in its early stages, but has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency of wind energy.

3. Medical technology: Magnetic levitation has also been used in medical devices, such as magnetic levitation pumps for artificial hearts and magnetic levitation centrifuges for blood separation. These applications are still in development, but have the potential to greatly improve medical treatments and procedures.

4. Earthquake detection: As you mentioned, magnetic levitation can also be used in earthquake detection. By using a magnetic levitation system, you can detect even the smallest vibrations caused by earthquakes, allowing for early warning systems to be put in place and potentially saving lives.

These are just a few examples of how magnetic levitation can be used in the real world. As for scaling up your project, you could consider researching and designing a larger-scale magnetic levitation system for one of these applications or coming up with your own innovative idea. I hope this helps and good luck with your project!