MAGLEV TRAIN

[Document subtitle]

By:
H. Ganesh Niranjan Rao ,

15ME01028

APRIL 12, 2017

WHAT IS MEANT BY MAGLEV?

Maglev=Magnetic + Levitation.

Anything which may levitate (raise or float) by means of a magnetic power is simply called as magnetic
levitation.

The term MAGLEV can be briefly explained by using an example of MAGLEV TRAINS.

Maglev systems are becoming a popular application around the globe. Maglev trains are popular in transportation
stations in big countries like Germany, China, Japan and the United States of America due to the demand for high-
speed transportation, as the general public transportation services become more congested with increase of
population. Maglev trains are magnetically levitated trains that traverse in a very high speed, with only electricity
being its main source of energy. The train propels forward without any friction from moving mechanical parts. It has
many advantages with minor drawbacks.

The basis of maglev trains mechanisms are magnetic levitation. This is achieved with the principal of repulsion and
attraction between two magnetic poles. When two magnets have the same poles, it will repel with each other and
when it has different poles, the result would be otherwise.

There are currently three known maglev suspension systems. In this project report, we will be covering the basic
principals of Electrodynamic Suspension Systems (EDS), Electromagnetic Suspension Systems (EMS) and Inductrack.
The three suspension systems each have different characteristics and special features. While EDS and EMS both use
only the interaction of magnets and superconductors, Inductrack uses coils on the track underneath the train body.
All three suspension systems work under the same principal of magnetic levitation covered in this project report.

The maglev propulsion systems uses the interaction of stators, superconductors and magnets between the railway
and the train. It has controls for speed and direction, which are based on electricity.

Magnetic Levitation
Maglevs levitation is basically based on two simple and fundamental laws of electromagnetic.
FARADAYS LAW
LENZS LAW

FARADAYS LAW:
It states that:
"The emf (electromagnetic force) induced in a circuit is directly proportional to the time rate of change
of magnetic flux through the circuit."

is the electromagnetic force (EMF) in volts

B is the magnetic flux through the circuit (in Webers).
Faradays law simply says that, if a closed loop of wire is placed close to a permanent magnet,
then electric current can be induced into the wire by moving either the magnet wit h respect to the coil
or vice versa.
Hence it is the relative movement between the coil and the magnet that matters (change in flux cutting
the loop).
When the magnet is moved toward the loop, the current induced flows in one direction, but when it is
moved away, it flows in opposite direction, it indicates that the direction of the current depends on the
time rate of change of the field, i.e. if the field is getting stronger or weaker as time progresses. The
direction of induced current is fur ther explained by Lenzs law.

LENZS LAW:
LENZS law describes about the direction of current being induced by magnetic field as described in
faradays law.

It states that:
Induced electromotive force generates a current, which flow s in such direction as to induce a counter
magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generating the current

The induced EMF creates a current that itself creates a secondary magnetic field. This secondary
magnetic field also changes with time and th us creates a changing secondary magnetic flux. The
secondary flux changes in such a way to oppose the ch ange in flux creating the EMF.

To further understand, consider a coil and permanent magnet as shown in figure. No change in flux
means no current induced. Now consider when the north pole of a permanent magnet is pushed into a
loop (Fig b) the flux increases. An upwards secondary magnetic field is created that opposes the
downward B-field of the magnet, and thus the current in loop must flow counterclock wise in order to
create this secondary B -field.

When the magnet is removed from the loop (Fig c), the decreasing B -field in the loop creates a
decreasing flux. To oppose this decrease, the current in the loop flows in such a way that tries to
sustain the magnetic field. The current now has to flow clockwise in order to create a positive
secondary flux that tries to counter acts the decreasing flux due to the with drawl of the permanent
magnet.

How is magnetic levitation achieved?

Magnetic levitation can be further understood by considering a current carrying coil. When current
flows through the coil, it induces ma gnetic field. The change in magnetic field in the coil due to the
change in current induces Eddy current in the metal ring, which induces magnetic field, as to oppose the
field generating it. There repulsive force of the south -south pole (here) lifts the ring.

There are two types of magnetic levitation.

Electromagnetic levitation (the ring example)
Electrodynamics levitation.

The two figures as given further explain both type of magnetic levitations. Basically both employ same
phenomenon, for levitation. In figure a, we have coil wrapped around the iron core, placed over a metal
plate. Now when current flows through the coil, iron core is induced with the magnetic field.

This magnetic field as a result induces the magnetic field in the metal, but in o pposite direction. Hence
both fields repel each other and iron core is lifted upward. In figure b, we have a permanent magnet
instead of iron core. When magnetic flux is changed by moving the magnet, it induces the magnetic
field in the metal plate.

Thus both methods can be used to achieve levitation

.
Fig(a) Fig (b)

Types of Maglev Train

Based on the techniques used for Levitation there are two types of Maglev trains

1. Electro Magnetic Suspension -Attractive

2. Electro Dynamic Suspension -repulsive

Electro magnetic Suspension

The electromagnetic suspension EMS uses attractive force system to levitate. The trains levitation magnet will be
attracted to the conductors on the underside of the guideway. The attractive force between them will overcome the
gravitational force. This will in turn levitates the train on the track.
The guidance magnets on the other hand guides the train so that the side of the track will not have contact with the
train, creating friction and damages the train. The guidance magnets will also guide the train so that it will follow the
direction of the guideway track.

From the figure above, we can see that the train is wrapped around the track. Because of this, the EMS train is a safer
train and comfortable. The regulated levitation of the train makes the train levitates even when traveling at low speed.
The magnetic field intensity inside the passenger compartment is also small so it is safe for passengers with pacemakers
or passengers carrying magnetic storage such as credit card or hard disk. Its intensity is comparable to the earth's
magnetic field and far below the field intensity of a hair dryer, an electric drill or a sewing machine.

In the event of a power failure, the EMS maglev train is equipped with an emergency battery power supply so that the
maglev train will not crash onto the guideway.
The most successful EMS maglev train so far is called the Transrapid system and it is currently being used by the MagLev
in Shanghai, China. It is also being used in Germany.

PRINCIPLE OF PROPULSION IN EMS SYSTEM:

The propulsion of the train is mainly based on two types of motors:

Linear Electric Motor (LEM) and,

Linear Induction Motor (LIM)

PROs of EMS

- Low magnetic fields inside and outside the vehicle

- Commercially available

- Cannot be derailed

Cons of EMS

- The system Need to be monitored by outside system to maintain the distance between the Track and the train

- Vibraitions may occur due to instability and outside monitoring.

Electrodynamic Suspension

The electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train has been developed by Japanese engineers. It uses magnets that has same
polarity (refer to figure above) to create repulsive force between levitation magnet and guideway magnet. This repulsive
force then will be high enough to overcome gravitational force and allows it to levitate.

The main difference between EDS maglev train and EMS maglev train is that EDS maglev train use super-cooled,
superconducting electromagnets. This superconducting electromagnet can conduct electricity even after the power
supply has been shut off for example in the event of a blackout. In the EMS system, which uses standard electromagnets,
the coils only conduct electricity when a power supply is present. By chilling the coil at frigid temperatures, Japans EDS
system saves energy. However, the cryogenic system uses to cool the coils can be expensive.

One potential drawback in using the EDS system is that maglev trains must roll on rubber tires until they reach a liftoff
speed of about 62 miles/h (100 km/h). Past the liftoff speed, the train will levitate and the rubber tires will no longer in
contact with the guideway. However, Japanese engineer say that the wheels are an advantage if a power failure caused
a shutdown of the system. The EDS train is impressively capable to levitate nearly 4 inches (10cm) above the guideway.

Since EDS train will induce a high intensity magnetic field, the passenger section of the train will have to be shielded from
the magnetic field or else it will be dangerous for passengers with pacemakers and damages magnetic data storage such
as credit cards and hard drives.

PRINCIPLE OF PROPULSION IN EDS SYSTEM:

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

PRINCIPLE OF LATERAL GUIDENCE IN EDS SYSTEM:

When one side of the train nears the side of the guideway, 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.

Pros of EDS

highest speed (581 km/h)

Heavy load capacity

Cons of EDS

Necessary use of magneting shielding due to the strong magnetic fields.

The vehicle must be wheeled to travel at low speed.

the cryogenic system uses to cool the coils can be expensive.

Conclusion

The maglev systems can be researched further to be used in advanced applications and maglev technologies are high in
demand due to it being environmentally friendly.

Even though maglevs have drawbacks in terms of the cost to build it, the major advantages overshadow the drawbacks
in a long term