ccurtis
Well-Known Member
Hello electro-tech fans,
I am interested in improving/optimizing the various magnetic pendulum novelties that exist, mostly in regards to minimizing the use of power (maximizing efficiency). For those who are not familiar with these pendulums, they are configured such that a permanent magnet is attached at the swinging end of the pendulum and a fixed electromagnet (coil) is positioned a small distance from that magnet when the pendulum arm is at its lowest point. An electronic circuit pulses the coil with current at the same rate as the pendulum's natural period, resulting in a force being applied to the pendulum (magnet) to keep it swinging, by way of magnet field interaction. I get the electronic circuit part of the pendulum and all that is necessary to maximize its efficiency. I am not certain how to configure the coil for maximum transfer of energy from the electromagnet pulse current to physical force applied to the magnet. Specifically:
1. What is the most efficient shape (pancake/flat, long, core diameter, outer diameter) for the coil, and why?
2. Should the coil have a solid core (as opposed to air core), and if so what should the core be made of, and why?
Assume a pancake/flat/button shaped magnet, but open to suggestion of a better shape for the magnet.
I am interested in improving/optimizing the various magnetic pendulum novelties that exist, mostly in regards to minimizing the use of power (maximizing efficiency). For those who are not familiar with these pendulums, they are configured such that a permanent magnet is attached at the swinging end of the pendulum and a fixed electromagnet (coil) is positioned a small distance from that magnet when the pendulum arm is at its lowest point. An electronic circuit pulses the coil with current at the same rate as the pendulum's natural period, resulting in a force being applied to the pendulum (magnet) to keep it swinging, by way of magnet field interaction. I get the electronic circuit part of the pendulum and all that is necessary to maximize its efficiency. I am not certain how to configure the coil for maximum transfer of energy from the electromagnet pulse current to physical force applied to the magnet. Specifically:
1. What is the most efficient shape (pancake/flat, long, core diameter, outer diameter) for the coil, and why?
2. Should the coil have a solid core (as opposed to air core), and if so what should the core be made of, and why?
Assume a pancake/flat/button shaped magnet, but open to suggestion of a better shape for the magnet.