Space Zoo Patrol – Future Trains

By Tony Morris, President & CEO, American Maglev Technology Inc.

What is it called?

Magnetically levitated trains or maglev trains.

What does it do?

Maglev vehicles move people and cargo from one place to another using magnetic fields.

How does it work?

Maglev trains use magnetic fields for levitation (instead of wheels) and magnetic fields for propulsion (instead of engines). Electromagnets, when activated (with electricity), react with the steel track to lift a vehicle ¼ to ½ inch above the track on a wave of magnetic fields. This minimizes friction, enabling a human being to push a 50,000-pound levitated train with one hand. In order to move the train forward, the vehicle’s electrically controlled magnets create magnetic fields along an aluminum plate on the track. These magnets alternatively push the train forward and can also provide braking forces. The magnets alternate very quickly depending on the speed provided, up to 10kHZ (ten thousand times a second), in order to achieve high speeds. This system is called a linear induction motor (LIM) which creates motion in a straight line as opposed to a regular motor that turns a rotating shaft). For braking, the LIM runs in reverse to slow down and eventually rest on the rail. Along a maglev train track there is an inexpensive aluminum reaction rail for the LIM to magnetically push against.

How is it better than the older technology?

Older technology uses more moving parts (which can break), fossil fuels, and overall more energy to move a vehicle. Maglev trains use 60% less energy on average and have no moving parts to break, other than the doors and air conditioner onboard, making maglev trains are much less expensive to operate year after year (that’s the good part). Lightweight maglev systems can be operated on an elevated bridge, so there is no need to disrupt existing roads, buildings, and infrastructure to build a new maglev line – only a single concrete column built every 50-100 feet.