Present example embodiments relate generally to a ground transportation system for interacting with one or more vehicles, the vehicle comprising at least one magnetic element fixedly attached to the vehicle, each magnetic element operable to generate a magnetic field having a first magnitude and a first direction, the system comprising a magnetic coil assembly fixedly positioned near an area traversable by the vehicle and comprising a core and a magnetic wire coil wrapped around the core, the magnetic coil assembly operable to generate a magnetic field having a second magnitude and a second direction; and an energy storage unit operable to release energy to and store energy from the magnetic coil assembly.

Method for controlling a dynamic linear motor. Method includes defining a path over which a rotor is to travel, placing stator segments at least along portions of the path where the rotor may be one of accelerated and decelerated and supplying a variable amplitude and frequency of voltage to power the stator segments in a synchronized manner so that, as the rotor approaches stator segments, the stator segments are powered and, as the rotor departs stator segments, the stator segments are depowered.

Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

A system and method is provided for controlling a reciprocating electric submersible pump with an AC linear motor. The system includes a programmable logic controller for controlling an inverter to provide pulse-width modulated AC power to the linear motor. Under operating conditions, a constant voltage is applied to the linear motor whose operating frequency can be controlled by the pulse-width modulation.

A method for operating a linear compressor includes measuring a current induced in a motor of the linear compressor and calculating an observed current of the motor of the linear compressor using at least an electrical dynamic model for the linear compressor and a robust integral of the sign of the error feedback. The method also includes detecting a head crash within the linear compressor if an error between the observed current of the motor of the linear compressor and the measured current induced in the motor of the linear compressor is greater than a crash threshold.

A dynamic linear motor is controlled by determining a relative proximity of a moving rotor of the linear motor to a fixed stator segment of the linear motor using a current location of the moving rotor. A current driving characteristic of the linear motor at the current location of the moving rotor is determined. Settings for the fixed stator segment when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment are identified based on the current driving characteristic. The fixed stator segment is driven based on the settings when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment.

An embodiment of an electric vehicle drive apparatus includes a rotary electric motor, an electromagnet apparatus, an electric motor controller, and an electromagnet controller. The rotary electric motor drives at least one wheel. The electromagnet controller generates at least one of an attraction force between a rail and a bogie, and a propulsion force. The electromagnet controller controls the electromagnet apparatus. The rotary electric motor and the electromagnet apparatus are provided on the same bogie.

An embodiment of an electric vehicle drive apparatus includes a rotary electric motor, an electromagnet apparatus, an electric motor controller, and an electromagnet controller. The rotary electric motor drives at least one wheel. The electromagnet controller generates at least one of an attraction force between a rail and a bogie, and a propulsion force. The electromagnet controller controls the electromagnet apparatus. The rotary electric motor and the electromagnet apparatus are provided on the same bogie.

Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.