Maglev Trains

Trains that fly..

WHAT IS A MAGLEV?

A MAGLEV is a MAGnetically LEVitated train, that relies more on magnetic systems than mechanical systems for its propulsion and stability.

TYPES OF MAGLEVS


EDS Type- This type uses wheels to reach liftTypeliftoff velocity ( typically at 100mph)and then retracts the wheels and then uses electromagnets for levitation and propulsion. One of the early developed models. EMS Type- This type uses only Typeelectromagnets for levitation and propulsion. INDUCTRACK- This is a variant of EDS INDUCTRACKType it uses induction coils for levitation.

EMS TYPE MAGLEV SYSTEM

EX:EX:- Shanghai MAGLEV , China Commercially available

HOW MAGLEV TRAINS WORK

STABILTY

 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!

HOW MAGLEV TRAINS WORK

PROPULSION  The propulsion is done using an Linear Motor.  A Linear Motor can be visualized as fixing rotor part of a motor on train and cutting open stator part parallel to its axis and laying it along the track.  There by a Linear Motor provides horizontal push rather than torque.

PROPULSION MECHANISM
The system consists of aluminum or copper cable windings in the stator packs that are on the guide way. When a current is supplied to the windings, it creates a traveling alternating current that propels the train forward by pushing and pulling.

When the alternating current is reversed, the train brakes. Different speeds are achieved by varying the intensity of the current. Only the section of track where the train is traveling is electrified.

POWER SUPPLY


Batteries on the train power the system and also its propulsion. Levitation system uses less power than the trains air conditioning. Onboard batteries are rechargeable and are done using its linear generators.

U TYPE TRACK MAGLEV

EX:EX:- Chuo Shinkansen , of Japan (EDS Type) (commercially not available).

How Chuo Shinkansen Works

Type of Magnet Uses This train uses superconducting electric magnets in the vehicle to levitate and propel the train. These magnets are cooled by liquid helium or liquid nitrogen. This means that once electrified these magnets require very less energy afterwards to maintain the field.

Propulsion 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.

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.

Lateral Guidance When one side of the train nears the side of the guide way, the super conducting magnet on the train induces a repulsive force from the levitation coils on the side closer to the train and an attractive force from the coils on the farther side. This keeps the train in the center.

INDUCTRACK SYSTEM
Still in research

INDUCTRACK SYSTEM uses halbach array of

permanent magnets onboard and unpowered loops of wires on track for levitation, it works on lenz law.

Only power required is to overcome air and

electromagnetic drag

For propulsion it uses a conventional Linear Motor

IN THE END.
Based on the pros and cons of different models and our limitations we decide to build an I-TYPE EMS IMAGLEV train, that will be run on a 30 meter track. We planned to use a C-Type Clevitation system that hasnt been used till now in the commercial market ,but has proven itself in the test runs.

TRAIN DIMENSIONS


The train will be of 800x250x100 mm in dimensions .

LEVITATION SYSTEM


The train is stabilized by C-Type levitation Csystem . C-Type levitation doesnt require any additional guidance system , the guidance force is generated due its design.

ADVANTAGES OF C TYPE LEVITATION OVER FLAT PANEL



In C-Type levitation Ca substantial amount of restoring force is developed than a flat panel one. Thereby in C-Type Cno extra guidance coils are required .

FORCE OF LEVITATION


The force of levitation was found to be as shown Mu is the permeability constant, N is no. of turns,I is the current flowing through the wire, A is the area of cross section of electromagnetic limb and delta is the gap between the electromagnet and iron core

Typically on a values of N = 2000/mtr, A=2x10^(A=2x10^(-3)square meter, delta = 10 mm, i= 1 ampere , we get a force of nearly 240 newtons that is sufficient for this model. And the resonant frequency of guidance force at its mean position has a value 6 .6 Hz where as expected and practical values are to lie between 1Hz to 10 Hz .

MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OF TRAIN



The trains chassis will be mainly made up of aluminum to ,with an iron cage to shield electronic circuitry from strong magnetic fields. The other parts including the body of maglev will be made of Fiber Reinforced Plastic. The train will have basic ambience and rechargeable batteries onboard similar to the existing models. The trains motion and ambience will be controlled from ground stations similar to real ones.

BUDGET


We as of now have not got any replies for price quotations so we are estimating it might cost us approximately 50,000/- to 60,000/- Rs. 50,000/- 60,000/-

THANK YOU

REFERENCES


Integrated electromagnetic levitation and guidance system for the Swiss Metro project, by DARRIGO Aldo, RUFER Alfred, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Wikipedia.