Borah 1 THE MAGLEV TRAIN

Advanced Transportation Systems: A basic study of the MAGLEV Train MAGLEV is an abbreviation of Magnetic Levitation. As the name indicates, the train operates at a distance above the ground under the influence of magnetic fields, or in other words, it levitates Operating Principle We know that a magnetic field covers the planet where we live, because of the North Pole and the South pole. We also know that like poles repel and opposites attract. In Maglev trains, this fact is used to make levitation possible for the trains. There are two different types of designs of the Maglev Train although the basic principle of transportation by MagLev remains the same, i.e. by using magnetic fields produced by electromagnets, superconductor solenoids etc. These two design types are A. Electro-Magnetic Suspension (EMS) where the attraction of magnets of the same polarity lifts up the train from the track. B. Electro Dynamic Suspension (EDS) where the repulsive forces of the same polarity, push against each other and lift up the train.

From the point of view of stability, the EMS design is more favorable and hence we will speak more of the EMS design here. The EMS design has been adopted in Japan and

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recently in Shangai in China. The design has been able reach a maximum velocity of 580 mph approximately Levitation Ability:From the drawing below, the following can be seen that while both the opposite magnetic poles are located on the same body, the lower part can move independently up to a certain distance. Hence, on energization, due to the very high attractive force between the bodies, the lower part moves up and the coach in question levitates. The maximum separation between the bottom of the coach is 10mm, on an average [Here the red and green magnets attract each other with such a force that the train is moved up from the track]

We know that when a conductor is rotated in a magnetic field, current is generated in the conductor coil. This current formed gives rise to the rotary motion of the rotor of an induction motor ( Flemings rule stipulate using the right hand to find out the directions of the parameters). We do not take an ordinary motor but a linear output motor which gives linear motion

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and not rotary torque. What we require is a method to increase or decrease this force As the force depends upon the frequency, we control and change the frequency so that the resultant linear force overcomes the inertia of rest of the train, and it is set in motion. Once it is set into motion, so much force is not required because only air resistance has to be overcome. A maglev train also carries batterybanks so that in case of power failure, the train can operate normally. Stopping and Guidance. For stopping all that is required to be done is to stop the magnetic field from working. Once this done, the train will fall down by 10 cm and rest on the track. Guidance of the train requires very accurate electronically controlled magnets which are planned in such a way that the train will be guided through the proper channel. Here, a feedback system can be employed so that the route can be compared to the memory of a robot and should the inputs be a little faulty, necessary correction is done by the robot to the direction of movement of the Maglev Train. AC Motors and Generators Now, let us come to the electrical machines part. For a magnetic levitated train, the fundamental concept applications of the motor is as follows. An electric motor consists of a permanent magnet (stator) which produces an external magnetic field. The rotor also called the armature rotates inside the stator. Now if the magnetic field plays upon the rotor, it is subjected to a torque. But if the rotor is rotated and a electrical current is passed, then a magnetic field id produced.

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The armature is connected to a voltage source through brushes and a commutator. While the rotor in a Maglev is directly wired to the train because the rotor does not move in relation to the train. The speed of a motor's rotation depends on the strength of the external magnetic field from the permanent magnet and the armature's electromagnetic field strength, which is determined by the number of coils, the amount of current flowing through it and its magnetic permeability and the load to the shaft, the stator. A Maglev uses current for charging up its onboard batteries. That is, the cable windings moving in a magnetic field induce a current for the onboard batteries. This is the main essence of the electrical laws that has gone into this innovative concept.

How many total sets of magnets are required in the MCS system, for a METLAV train. 1. Two sets , one separate in the train for the levitation and one for the track 2. Two sets one for the under carriage and one for the guide rail 3. One set for the entire track so that it provides the magnetic field for the eddy currents to arrange a force. 4. A Battery Bank Therefore 5 sets of powerful magnets are required and one kept as stand by-if thought to necessary. The Propulsion of the maglev train in case of an EDS or the Electro Dynamic Suspension, the initial propelling is also done by the repelling forces to some extent.

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What is required are huge forces for which solenoids made of special superconductive material are used. With this, the propulsion is done but the superconductor has to be kept at significant cool temperatures, which requires circulation of liquid nitrogen or liquid helium. This further adds complexity to the matter as well as increases the cost. Superconductivity S UPERCONDUCTIVITY is a property of materials in which resistivity and magnetic permeability are close to or nearly zero. Superconductivity (SC) is explained as when a material is in its superconductive state, conduction electrons propagate without any resistance as they move in pairs (Coopers pairs). Cooper pairs form as a result of the interaction of electrons with the mechanical vibrations of the crystalline lattice; the atomic vibration in the reticulated structure tends to diminish the repulsive force among electrons, a phenomenon equivalent to an attractive force between electrons pairs. The intensity of this interaction depends strongly on vibration and therefore on temperature. The temperature at which a material switches from SC to normal conductivity (NC) state is the critical or transition temperature T c . A second important feature of SC materials is their ability to expel a magnetic flux (self-induced or applied): this feature is known as the Meissner effect. Two important microscopic reference lengths have been determined for SC materials when a magnetic field B is applied, the distance between two electrons in a Coopers pair, called coherence length, and the characteristic B field decay length, called London penetration depth.

A magnet (solenoid) FROM A SUPERCONDUCTOR SHOWN BELOW

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The launching/starting of the train

Let us now compare the flying train with its more ordinary contemporary Advantages of the Maglev train Energy consumption is 33% less No inflammable device kept or used .

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Ecologically friendly Much higher speeds can be achieved. The maglev is 250 times safer then caonventional rail ways and 2o times safer then airlines.

The operating cost is only half that of conventional railways

Disadvantages Excess Magnetic fields May be dangerous for travelers who have had by- pass surgery. May be the cause of many diseases including cancer. Only time will tell.

Maglev trains are no doubt one of the most innovative things built by man recently. This will certainly bring about a large infrastructure development rate in third world countries. The technology is already being used for automation replacing compressed air. There is a large capital cost involved but once that is met, other costs are not very significant. ***** Sitting at 580 MPH

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SHANGAI AT NIGHT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
5) www.calpoly.edu/~cm/studpage/clottich/phys.html 6) www.howstuffworks.com 7) www.transrapid.de 8) www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/physics/u7c3phy.html 9) www.tonmeister.ca/main/textbook/electronics/07.html
MLA Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd Edition (ISBN-13: 978-0-87352-297-7)