Super fast train, Maglev

A maglev train is a type of train that moves in a suspended or floating position. The position is generated by electromagnetic force. The drive of the magnetic levitation train is a linear motor. The maglev train is used as a long-distance mode of transportation. The speed is higher compared to the bullet train. During operation, maglev trains do not produce any mechanical noise.

Some countries that have developed this type of train are China, Japan, France, America, and Germany. Due to the high manufacturing cost of magnetic rails, only two maglev lines were open for public transport in 2015, namely the Shanghai Transrapid in China and the Linimo in Japan.

Japan is currently developing an ultra-fast train, the Maglev. The speed of this train exceeds the speed of its predecessor, the Shinkansen. The maglev train can glide at up to 603 kilometers per hour. How do these ultra-fast trains work?

Maglev is an acronym for Magnetic Levitation. The train levitates 10mm above the rails and is propelled by electrically charged magnets. The operating principle of the maglev train is based on simple physics, in which different magnetic poles attract and the same magnetic poles push each other. By cooling the power of the electromagnet, the experts were able to lift the train to 10 mm above the rails. Then another electromagnetic force is used to push it. Because it moves on low-friction air, this train can run smoothly and very quickly. Almost 98% of rail material consists of superconducting magnets. So that a train of this size stays stuck to the rails even at a speed of 500 kilometers per hour.

There are three types of maglev technology, namely those based on superconducting magnets (electrodynamic suspension), those based on controlled electromagnetics (electromagnetic suspension), and the latest is the most economical, which uses permanent magnets (inductors).

Currently, Japan and Germany are the world’s leading countries in the development of railways using maglev technology. Germany focused on developing a type of electromagnetic suspension system (EMS) called the Transrapid. Meanwhile, Japan has developed the maglev train using an electrodynamic suspension system (EDS) based on the repulsive force of magnets. Components needed in the EDS include a large power source, metal coils on the tracks, and a fairly powerful electromagnet on the bottom of the train.

This maglev train, quoted by coilTravel, is located on the seafront of the city of Qingdao in Shandong province. Maglev trains from China outperform Japan’s Shinkansen trains.

This maglev (maglev) train has a top speed of 600 km/h and is expected to cover the distance between Beijing and Shanghai in 5.5 hours. If you use a regular train, the route has to cover 7.7 hours.

So what is the working principle of the maglev train that can make it so fast? Here’s the review for you.

Magnetic levitation train working principle of the train

Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a method of transportation that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. In a maglev, the vehicle moves along a track, using magnets to generate lift and propulsion, greatly reducing friction and allowing for very high speeds. Maglev technology itself contains no moving parts.

Quoted from the Instructables page, the working principle of this maglev has the principle of “magnetic repulsion”. As we know, magnets themselves have two different poles on each side. If opposite poles attract, the same pole will repel. This property of magnetism is used in maglev trains.

However, instead of using permanent magnets, electromagnetic principles are used to create strong and large temporary magnets. According to Faraday’s law, when an electric current is passed through a coil of wire, a magnetic field is created around the coil.

Advantages of the maglev train

After learning about the size and principle of operation of this maglev train. Let’s find out the advantages of this maglev train. The advantages of maglev are as follows:

• This train can levitate on the rails, so it doesn’t cause any friction on the rails and train wheels. So there is no rail or wheel replacement.
• There is no frictional resistance. The drag power is certainly still there. For this reason, however, a more aerodynamic magnetic levitation train is being developed.
• Maintenance costs are considered to be more efficient than other train types. As we know, the type of train that has wheels and rails attached, there will be regular changes every time. And that requires a lot of money

Disadvantages of Maglev Cart

Maglev trains have not only advantages but also disadvantages, here are the disadvantages of maglev trains:

• Since the speed of this train is very high, the noise generated is almost the same as that of a jet plane
• Expensive investments, especially the procurement of rails. Therefore, there are still some countries that use this type.

That’s some discussion about one of the modern technologies in the transportation field, namely the maglev train. With the advance of time, more advanced technology can be created by humans. Are you ready for the next more advanced technology?