The Electro-Dynamic Suspension (EDS) Maglev including the null-flux type needs auxiliary wheels at low speed where the levitation force and the electromagnetic stiffness are insufficient for non-contact running. The take-off velocity should be made as low as possible from the view point of the strength design and maintenance of track and wheels. Since guidance and rolling and strongly coupled in the null-flux EDS, it is important to improve the stiffness with the coupling, which restricts the take-off velocity. This paper describes the null-flux EDS with an asymmetric figure between the upper and lower coils which reduce the strong coupling between guidance and rolling. We present the characteristics of this system measured at test runs at the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line and a design that adopts an optimization program.

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