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MAGLEV an acronym for magnetic levitation is a transport system that is employed to move trains by magnetic levitation. This is done by magnets which both lifts the train up from the ground and propel the train forward thereby eliminating rolling resistance.
A maglev train system consists of several key components that work together to achieve magnetic levitation and propulsion and they are as follows; guide way, electromagnets or superconducting magnets, levitation system, propulsion system, control system, power supply system and the train.
The guide way is the track the maglev train runs on and it is equipped with electromagnets that interacts with the trains magnets to create the levitation and propulsion forces.
The electromagnets or superconducting magnets are used to create the magnetic fields that levitate and propel the train.
The levitation system consists of the electromagnets or superconducting magnets on the train and they interact with the magnets on the guide way to create an upward force.
The propulsion system also consists of electromagnets or superconducting magnets on the train that interacts with the guide way to create a forward force that propels the train forward.
The control system uses sensors and algorithms to regulate the magnetic fields, train position and velocity in order to ensure stable levitation and propulsion.
The power supply system provides the required energy to power the electromagnets and other system units such as the guide way, levitation system, propulsion system, control system and the train.
The train is designed to be integrated with the electromagnets or superconducting magnets to interact with the magnets on the guide way to provide the necessary levitation and propulsion for high speed operation of the train.
The advantages of the maglev trains are as follows; maglev trains can reach speeds of over 600km/hr. making them ideal for long distance transportation. Maglev trains use magnetic levitation without a rolling resistance, which drastically reduces or eliminates friction between the train and the guide way thus reducing energy consumption and optimize the efficiency of the ride. Maglev trains produces less noise and vibration making them a quiet, healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Maglev trains have fewer moving parts, thereby reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs and for this reason maglevs are cost effective and reliable to operate.
The disadvantages of maglev trains are as follows; the high cost of construction of maglev trains and infrastructures but them beyond the reach of most governments and private corporation. Maglev trains require the use of specialized labor expertize and equipment to build, maintain and operate them effectively. While maglev trains are more efficient than traditional trains they still consume significant amount of energy in their operations especially at high speeds.
The applications of maglev trains are as follows; maglev trains can connect city and rural centers more effectively by drastically reducing travel times. Maglev trains can help reduce greenhouse gas emission and noise pollution making suitable for city and urban transportation. Maglev trains fares are cost effective compared to other forms of transportation and with travel times and ticket costs that rivals that of air travel.
The future of the maglev will be predicated on the trends, advances and development in the following technologies; improve designs and material in magnetic, control, electrical and cooling technologies will greatly enhance their efficiency and long term performance. Increased adoption of the maglev trains is likely to reduce the cost of maglev trains infrastructure thereby increasing the proliferation of maglev train networks and service.
SOURCES:
- Maglev revolution: transforming train transportation with magnetic levitation by Charles Nehme.
- Magnetic levitation: Maglev technology and applications by Hyung-suk Han and Dong=Sung.
- Maglev trains: Key underlaying technologies by Zhiqiang Long, Xiaolong Li and Wensen Chang.
- The fight for maglev: making America the world leader in the 21st century transport by James Powell, Gordon Danby and James Jordan.
- Maglev America: How maglev will transform the world economy by James Powell and Gordon Danby.
