Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade

Maglev Trains
Trains that fly on air.

Professor: Milo D. uri

Student: Dragi Lali 105/09

June 2011.

Outline

Problem Solution Implementation Superconducting Magnets What are MagLev trains? Technology How Transrapid Works Levitation Systems Power Supply Propulsion

Levitation Safety Speed Economic Efficiency Better for the Environment MagLev vs. Conventional Trains Examples of using MagLev Other MagLev Applications Summery References

Problem

Current land transportation is slow Land is limited by friction Flying is expensive Air and land travel takes up a lot of fuel

Solution

Reduce friction for land travel Hover just over the railroad tracks Process is simpler than making a plane fly Staying on land is safer

Implementation

Strong magnets on moving car Magnetic forces hold car in position

Vertically

Inclining or declining track Weight distribution changing Wind forces Turning

Horizontally

Superconducting Magnets

Superconducting magnets on train induce current on conducting sheet Induced currents generate magnetic repulsive force In conducting sheet guideway there are power losses in sheet Slightly corrected by making small conducting loops Still significant losses

What are MagLev trains?

MagLev stands for Magnetic levitation. MagLev uses Electromagnetic Propulsion. Trains are thrust forward by positively and negatively charged magnets. The train floats on a cushion of air eliminating friction.

Technology

3 main functions
Levitation or suspension Propulsion Guidance

Electromagnetic vs. Electrodynamic Superconductors

How Transrapid Works

Support System
The electromagnets on the underside of the train pull it up to the ferromagnetic stators on the track and levitate the train. The magnets on the side keep the train from moving from side to side. A computer changes the amount of current to keep the train 1 cm from the track.

This means there is no friction between the train and the track!

Levitation Systems Power Supply

Batteries on the train power the system, and therefore it still functions without propulsion. The batteries can levitate the train for 30 minutes without any additional energy. Linear generators in the magnets on board the train use the motion of the train to recharge the batteries. Levitation system uses less power than the trains air conditioning.

Propulsion (1)
An alternating current is ran through electromagnet coils on the guide walls of the guide way. This creates a magnetic field that attracts and repels the superconducting magnets on the train and propels the train forward. Braking is accomplished by sending an alternating current in the reverse direction so that it is slowed by attractive and repulsive forces.

Propulsion (2)

The system consists of aluminum three-phase cable windings in the stator packs that are on the guideway Different speeds are achieved by varying the intensity of the current. Only the section of track where the train is traveling is electrified.

Levitation
The passing of the superconducting magnets by figure eight levitation coils on the side of the tract induces a current in the coils and creates a magnetic field. This pushes the train upward so that it can levitate 10 cm above the track. The train does not levitate until it reaches 50 mph, so it is equipped with retractable wheels.

Safety

The trains are virtually impossible to derail because the train is wrapped around the track. Collisions between trains are unlikely because computers are controlling the trains movements. The ride is smooth while not accelerating.

Speed
The train can travel at about 300 mph. For trips of distances up to 500 miles its total travel time is equal to a planes (including check in time and travel to airport.) It can accelerate to 200 mph in 3 miles, so it is ideal for short jumps. At 300 mph, you could travel from Paris to Rome in just 2 hours!

Economic Efficiency

The initial investment is similar to other high speed rail roads. (Maglift is $20-$40 million per mile and I279 in Pittsburg cost $37 million per mile 20 years ago.) Operating expenses are half of that of other railroads. A train is composed of sections that each contain 100 seats, and a train can have between 2 and 10 sections. The linear generators produce electricity for the cabin of the train.

Better for the Environment

Less energy consumption because no rail-track friction Requires no fossil fuel which can harm the environment. Less noise pollution since the train never hits the track MagLev guide ways and trains take up less space than conventional trains The magnetic field created is low, therefore there are no adverse effects.

MagLev vs. Conventional Trains

MagLev Trains Conventional Trains

No Friction = Less Maintenance

No Engine = No fuel required Speeds in excess of 300 mph

Routine Maintenance Needed

Engine requires fossil fuels Speeds up to 110 mph

Examples of using MagLev(1)

The German Trans-Rapid maglev train uses powered electromagnets attracting upward to an iron rail

Examples of using MagLev(2)

The Japanese Yamanashi demonstration maglev train uses superconducting magnets on its sides

Examples of using MagLev(3)

At speed superconducting magnet coils on the Japanese train induce currents in coils in the tracks on each side

Examples of using MagLev(4)

An EDS Urban Transit Maglev system test track and test car has been built and operated in Korea

Other MagLev Applications

Disneylands California Adventure Coaster California Screamin roller coaster uses MagLev technology to propel car from 0-55 mph in less than 5 seconds! U.S. military is looking into using MagLev Possible uses could include:

Rocket launching Aircraft carrier launching pad Space craft launching

Summery

Maglev trains use magnets to levitate and propel the trains forward. Since there is no friction these trains can reach high speeds. It is a safe and efficient way to travel. Governments have mixed feelings about the technology. Some countries, like China, have embraced it and others like Germany have balked at the expense. Currently test tracks are being built in America. Maglev transportation has a questionable future.

References

Bonsor, Kevin. How Maglev Trains Work. 5 September, 2002. <http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm> Keating, Oliver. Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains). 16 June, 2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm> Disney Online. California Screamin. August, 1999. <http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attractions/detail ?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage>

MagLev Systems. Electromagnetic Systems. General Atomics and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.

The end

Thank you for your attention!!!