How are maglev trains controlled?

Maglev train systems use powerful electromagnets to float the trains over a guideway, instead of the old steel wheel and track system. A system called electromagnetic suspension suspends, guides, and propels the trains. A large number of magnets provide controlled tension for lift and propulsion along a track.



Maglev trains are controlled through a sophisticated interplay of electromagnetism and computerized propulsion, rather than an on-board engine or driver. The "motor" of a maglev is actually built into the guideway (the track). This is known as a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). High-power coils in the guideway walls create a traveling magnetic wave that "pulls" and "pushes" the train's on-board magnets forward. To control speed, the frequency and intensity of the electric current in the guideway are adjusted by a central control center; a higher frequency makes the magnetic wave move faster, dragging the train with it. Steering is handled by guidance magnets on the sides of the train that keep it centered between the guideway walls without touching them. Because the system is entirely digital and automated, there is no risk of human error in throttle control, and the trains can maintain incredibly precise schedules with "headways" measured in seconds.

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The Superconducting Maglev is equipped with a braking system capable of safely stopping a train traveling at 311mph. Regenerative braking is normally used for deceleration, but if it becomes unavailable, the Superconducting maglev also has wheel disc brakes and aerodynamic brakes.

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Disadvantages of Maglev Trains Complications resulting in accidents will usually lead to high human fatalities. Maglev trains are much more expensive to construct than conventional trains because of the high number of superconducting electromagnets and permanent magnets required, which are usually very costly.

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The magnetic field generated by the Superconducting Maglev has no impact on health, as it is controlled with various measures to keep it below the standards established in international guidelines (ICNIRP Guidelines). The standards are set at approx. 1/5 to 1/10 the level that could affect the human body.

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There are guidance magnets and levitation magnets. The guidance magnets are designed to maintain the car alignment, never letting any physical contact. Ther is transverse inclination of the rails too, which helps reducing the curve of the turn.

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This reaction between the magnets creates a magnetic field. The field lifts the train off of the track. This lets air flow between the train and the guideway. The trains never touch the track; they hover just above the track.

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Maglev trains require very straight and level tracks to maintain high speeds. This necessitates extensive viaducts and tunneling, making construction costly.

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The trains used to change tracks in a 'pinched loop' system. Today, the maglev uses two trains running on their own dedicated track all day, with the switches not used in regular operation, except in the morning and evening to put the trains away in the depot.

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The way maglev trains go forward or backwards is that there are coils lined up on the track in an order north pole south pole and so on and across from that is the opposite side of a magnet south pole north pole and so on.

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relying purely on magnetic forces However, this new 'Sky Train' system takes electricity out of the equation, using only magnets composed of rare-earth metals that 'create a constant repelling force [which] can lift a train with 88 passengers and keep it floating even without power,' states South China Morning Post.

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A large number of magnets provide controlled tension for lift and propulsion along a track. Maglev trains do not need an engine and, therefore, produce no emissions. They are faster, quieter, and smoother than conventional systems.

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Frequency spectrum of the TR 07 maglev compared to conventional high speed trains indicates that maglev is quieter in the high frequencies (above 1250 Hz) and in the low -frequencies (below 160 Hz), but has the same level in the mid-frequency range (160 Hz to 1250 Hz).

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Compared to highspeed passenger rail, maglev passenger rail consumes roughly twice the power per passenger kilometer. For commercial freight I found an efficiency figure of 520 ton-miles per gallon (660 kg-km/MJ). Assuming 70kg for the average commuter passenger this gives us an efficiency of (116 kg-km/MJ) for maglev.

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Maglev trains are always quieter in comparison to traditional systems when operating at the same speeds [8].

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Cost concerns over innovative rail The primary challenge facing maglev trains has always been cost. While all large-scale transportation systems are expensive, maglev requires a dedicated infrastructure including substations and power supplies and cannot be integrated directly into an existing transportation system.

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Maglev trains are hard and expensive to build. They don't have a good safety record. There isn't established infrastructure to maintain the trains, or people who know how.

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Maglev trains do not create direct pollution emissions and are always quieter in comparison to traditional systems when operating at the same speeds.

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