Here is a simple conceptual drawing of how Linear Inductions Motors (LIM) could be employed in a tractor unit for a gondola style Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) vehicle. Shown is a simplified track encasement, without outside structural support. The 3.2mm (1/8”) gap between is maintained by making internal rails (shown in orange) and the reactor plate (blue/green) both setscrew adjustable. With tight radius turns, the gap will be uneven and perhaps somewhat larger, but this diminished power and efficiency will not materially affect performance. By having two units in tandem closer gaps can be maintained. This design is compatible with the switching protocol illustrated earlier. The LIMS on one side must be turned off during switching, so the pod cannot accelerate strongly through the switching process. There are four LIMs. The proportions shown are consistent with the (Baldor) # LMAC16123D99. (12”x16”) (30.4 x 40.6 cm)
The performance of each are as follows. Each weighs 105 lbs. (48kg) and can produce up to 190 lbs. (845N) of pull (15% duty) and 38lbs. (169N) continuous. That’s a total of 760lbs. (3380N) max total, and 152 lbs. (676N) of continuous pull. The motors (total) weigh 420lbs. (190.5 kg)
The downside is this. These figures are for 60 Hz, 460 volt, 3 phase current. The maximum velocity for these LIMS at 60 Hz. is only about 15 mph. It is unclear how much pull would be sacrificed for additional speed, which is achieved by increasing the frequency of the AC current beyond 60 Hz.
