MAGNETIC LEVITATION (MAGLEV)

BY:NAILA SHUTTARYBRANCH :EEEROLL NO :12D21A0213

CONTENTSINTRODUCTIONBRIEF HISTORYBASIC PRINCIPLETYPES OF LEVITATION TECHNIQUESAPPLICATIONSADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGESCONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION ANY THING WHICH MAY LEVITATE (FLOAT OR RAISE) BY

MEANS OF MAGNETIC POWER IS CALLED “MAGNETIC LEVITATION”.

It is a method to counteract with the effect of GRAVITATIONAL and OTHER ACCELERATIONS.

It is also known as “MAGLEV” or “MAGNETIC SUSPENSION” It  is a system of transportation that uses magnetic levitation to

suspend, guide and propel vehicles from magnets rather than using mechanical methods, such as wheels, axles and bearings.

The term “MAGLEV” can be briefly explained by using the example of maglev trains.

BRIEF HISTORYThe history of maglev train started already in the beginning

of the 1900's century, when the scientists conceived the idea of frictionless trains.

The Japanese started their research on maglev transportations in the beginning of the 1970s. 

Germans took them ten years to complete the construction of the first track model. In 1993 the longest nonstop test running was 1.674 km.

 In China, 2003, they finished a 30 km long German variant of maglev train in Shanghai, that propels by attractive forces, EMS .

This is the first commercial magnetic levitation train in the world. This project cost over 1 billion dollar!!!!!!

BASIC PRINCIPLEMaglev trains have to perform the

following functions to operate in high speeds :

1.Leviation

2.Propulsion

3.Lateral Guidance

PRINCIPLE OF MAGNET 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.

Principle of PROPULSION Propulsion is a means of creating force leading

to movement.

The term propulsion is derived from two Latin words: pro meaning before or forwards and pellere meaning to drive.

The propulsion coils located on the sidewalls on both sides of the guide way are energized by a three-phase alternating current from a substation, creating a shifting magnetic field on the guide way.

The on-board superconducting magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field, propelling the Maglev vehicle.

Braking is accomplished by sending an alternating current in the reverse direction so that it is slowed by attractive and repulsive forces.

LATERAL GUIDANCE• Maglev need a guidance force to keep the

vehicle on track.• It is obtained by electromagnets of

particular shapes.

TYPES OF LEVITATION TECHNIQUESELECTRO DYNAMIC SUSPENSION.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SUSPENSION.INDUCTRACK.

APPLICATIONSHigh speed trains in Europe and Japan are

perhaps the best example of magnetic levitation technology.

Magnetic bearings are another application of magnetic levitation technology formed by electromagnetic suspension and electromagnets. Magnetic bearings support loads without any kind of physical contact.

Two additional scientific applications for magnetic levitation include flywheels and levitation melting. Flywheels are rotating mechanisms used to store energy. 

Its applications are far ranging from transportation to household fixtures and decorations.

ADVANTAGES Maglev uses 30% less energy than a high-speed train traveling at

the same speed (1/3 more power for the same amount of energy).

The operating costs of a maglev system are approximately half that of conventional long-distance railroads.

Research has shown that the maglev is about 20 times safer than

airplanes, 250 times safer than conventional railroads, and 700 times safer than automobile travel.

Maglev vehicle carries no fuel to increase fire hazard

The materials used to construct maglev vehicles are non-combustible, poor penetration transmitters of heat, and able to withstand fire.

DISADVANTAGES• The high cost is incurred on the initial setup.• Maglev trains require an all new set up right from

the scratch.• As the present railway infrastructure is of no use

for maglev, it will either have to be replaced with the Maglev System or an entirely new set up will have to be created―both of which will cost a decent amount in terms of initial investment.

• Although MagLev are pretty quiet, noise caused by air disturbance still occurs.

OTHER APPLICATIONSNASA plans to use magnetic levitation for launching of

space vehicles into low earth orbit.

Boeing is pursuing research in Maglev to provide a Hypersonic Ground Test Facility for the Air Force.

The mining industry will also benefit from Maglev.

There are probably many more undiscovered applications!!!!!!

FUTURE PROPOSALSThe Indian Ministry is currently in the

process of reviewing a proposal to start a Maglev train system in India and has estimated the cost would be approx. $30 billion!!!!!!!!

Malaysia has decided to use Maglev technology to link important landmarks across the city.

Japan, inventor of the world’s first bullet train, recently unveiled plans for an even faster and more radical train model: a floating train, powered by magnets, that will travel 100 mph faster than current bullet trains (about 300 mph).

CONCLUSION• The Maglev Train: Research on this ‘dream train' has been

going on for the last 30 odd years in various parts of the world.

• The chief advantages of this type of train are:

Non-contact and non-wearing propulsion, independent of friction, no mechanical components like wheel, axle.

• Maintenance costs decreases.

• The Maglev offers a cheap, efficient alternative to the current rail system. A country like India could benefit very much if this were implemented here. Further possible applications need to be explored ………………