Tektronix helps Magway build a zero-emission underground distribution system, leading the new revolution in logistics

Magway, an innovative company based in Wembley, London, is developing a forward-thinking logistics distribution system. The system moves packages and goods efficiently through a network of underground pipes across the UK, using small carriages that run on tracks. Its core technologies include traditional high density polyethylene (HDPE) tubes and advanced linear synchronous motors.

Challenge

Magway is committed to developing a revolutionary distribution system based on magnetic rails that aims to revolutionize the way packages and goods are transported between distribution centers. The system is expected to take up to 90% of online delivery vehicles off the road, significantly reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution, and bringing a green revolution to the logistics industry.

The company's demonstration track is a 65-meter ring track along which 106 discrete stator linear synchronous motors are installed. These motors interact with permanent magnets on the carriages, propelling them forward at speeds of up to 15 meters per second. Currently, up to three carriages can be run at the same time. When the system was measured, the company found that there was a large amount of electrical noise.

Solution

To pinpoint the source of noise, Magway turned to Tektronext's test solution: an 8-channel 5-series MSO mixed-signal oscilloscope (MSO58) with three TCP0030A current probes and three THDP0200 differential voltage probes. The MSO58's eight inputs provide analog signals in waveform view, spectrum view, or both, and eight digital logic inputs.

Many applications, such as three-phase power electronics and power supply design, require the observation of more than four analog channels to verify and characterize device performance and debug complex problems, such as Magway's noise problem. The Series 5 MSO's eight channels provide better visibility into these complex systems, with waveforms displayed on a large 15.6-inch HD (1,920 x 1,080) touchscreen display.

One of the applications Magway chose was Tektronix's Inverter Motor Drive Analysis (IMDA) software. IMDA solutions are available for Series 5, Series 6 B Msos to provide fast, accurate and repeatable results for electrical measurement of drive systems for industrial motors and AC induction motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors and brushless DC motors. It can also be configured to measure DC to three-phase AC converters, such as those used in electric vehicles.

A simpler way

The IMDA solution provides Magway with an easier way to link control systems and power electronics to the performance of the entire system. Aanchal Mittal, innovation engineer at Magway, said: "With each orbit, we collect a huge amount of data covering everything from current, voltage, position, speed and torque. This provides us with great convenience, allowing us to directly analyze the data in depth, pinpoint and solve the problems we encounter. Tektronix oscilloscopes enable us to work in a systematic and coherent manner. At Magway, data is at the heart of our decision making, and Tektronix provides the tools to make data collection and analysis easy and efficient, which drives our research and development."

Initially, Tektronix provided in-depth support to ensure that Magway's employees could get the most out of the oscilloscope. "Tektronix has been very useful to work with and their technical support has been excellent," Mittal added. "They spent a lot of time helping us set everything up, and now we have a better understanding of how to use the oscilloscope." We got the help we needed to set it up, and now we can make the measurements we need. We need to figure out some parts of the electrical system. The lead project manager and a few other engineers have used Tektronix oscilloscopes on every motor and drive on the track, and it's a very useful tool."

In the drive system, an important challenge is to adjust the drive system control logic according to the three-phase AC signal. Analyzing systems in an AC domain is inherently difficult, so converting from an AC to a straight basin makes it easier to measure parameters. The IMDA solution features a direct orthogonal zero (DQZ or DQ0) transform that rotates the reference frame of the three-phase waveform so that it becomes a DC signal. It is easier to do calculations on these direct flows before reversing them and obtaining actual three-phase AC results.

"Our entire control system revolves around measuring the current and voltage on the DQ axis," explains Mittal. "The 5-series oscilloscopes, together with IMDA software solutions and probes, really help us measure the current and voltage on the DQ axis, converting them from three-phase current to DC current. This is an approach we haven't even thought about. This will help us build more robust electrical systems. "

Innovation first

For Magway, working with Tektronix is an opportunity to work with like-minded companies. "We are always looking for companies that we can work with deeply, that are passionate about what they do, that have a strong commitment to engineering innovation and that share our commitment to making the world a better place," Mittal says.

Innovation is at the heart of everything Magway does. This is reflected in the job titles of its engineers, many of whom are referred to as innovation engineers. This also means that partners who support its innovative approach are crucial for Magway. It is through innovation that Magway sees the changes in the world that he wants to see.