How MagLev Technology Works
FIGURE 1
The basic principles of MagLev technology are about as simple as
the magnets used for it. As we should all know, magnets have both attracting and repelling forces. Both of these forces can be used in MagLev technology to levitate a train. Using the attracting force for magnetic levitation is known as Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) and using the repelling force is Electrodnamic Suspension (EDS). Although the basic principles are fairly simple, the system for moving a train to speeds of 250 mph is a little more
complex.
MagLev does not use the regular magnets that we are accustomed to, but rather electromagnets, which have temporary attraction and repulsion and can also be switched between poles. Magnetic fields can also be created when electricity is run through a wire, this is the technology used to propel the MagLev train. In figure 1 we can see the electromagnetic coils placed on the tracks of the MagLev. Thats right, the MagLev does not have a track and is actually powered by the attraction and repulsion between the train cars and the track!
So the train cars are levitated above the track just a few inches, and they are moved forward because the front of the train is experiencing forces of attraction from the track beneath while the rear of the train experiences repelling forces from the track. Also, not all parts of the track are activated. The figure below shows that only the part of the track taht the train is directly above needs to be active, meaning a lot of energy savings. What we are left with is a smooth, high-speed, mass transit system.
the magnets used for it. As we should all know, magnets have both attracting and repelling forces. Both of these forces can be used in MagLev technology to levitate a train. Using the attracting force for magnetic levitation is known as Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) and using the repelling force is Electrodnamic Suspension (EDS). Although the basic principles are fairly simple, the system for moving a train to speeds of 250 mph is a little more
complex.
MagLev does not use the regular magnets that we are accustomed to, but rather electromagnets, which have temporary attraction and repulsion and can also be switched between poles. Magnetic fields can also be created when electricity is run through a wire, this is the technology used to propel the MagLev train. In figure 1 we can see the electromagnetic coils placed on the tracks of the MagLev. Thats right, the MagLev does not have a track and is actually powered by the attraction and repulsion between the train cars and the track!
So the train cars are levitated above the track just a few inches, and they are moved forward because the front of the train is experiencing forces of attraction from the track beneath while the rear of the train experiences repelling forces from the track. Also, not all parts of the track are activated. The figure below shows that only the part of the track taht the train is directly above needs to be active, meaning a lot of energy savings. What we are left with is a smooth, high-speed, mass transit system.