Maglev

Maglev is the one stop solution and revolutionized transportation medium of the 21st century. Maglev stands for Magnetic Levitation and is the methodology adopted to float trains on a guide-way utilizing the basic principles of magnets, thereby, allowing the train to gain both lift and thrust. These trains provide fastest way to travel hundreds or thousands of miles transporting both mass and medium in just matter of hours, instead of days or weeks). Maglev could become the mass transport medium of the future in preference to other conventional modes including airplanes. We will further see in this article how electromagnetic propulsion works, different types of maglev trains and where we could enjoy this futuristic mind-blowing experience.

Electromagnetic Propulsion

The theory of ‘opposite poles attract and like poles repulse’ is employed in electromagnetic propulsion to create the thrust and levitation for the train. The track on which the train moves is lined with a metal coil and magnets are installed on the belly of the train. Electric power is used to create the magnetic field with the help of the metal coil lining and the pre installed magnets to achieve propulsion required to move the train. Weather conditions are not a deterrent for the movement of the train and the absence of friction enables faster movement.

In the conventional system of wheeled trains, high speed trains cause great friction resulting in huge maintenance cost for the wheels and tracks apart from consuming large volumes of fossil fuels. Maglev thus offers a relatively cheaper mode of mass transportation at minimal running and maintenance costs. With most metropolitan cities growing at a fast pace, Maglev thus deserves to be the transport medium for the future.

Maglev trains are currently in operation on a commercial scale in Shanghai (transrapid) and Linimo (Japan). Levitation technology can be beneficially employed in several other areas requiring propulsion like in ships or moving conveyor belts in some industries. The existing rail infrastructure and particularly the tracks are unfit for Maglev. The huge cost of developing all new tracks is a significant factor that could slow down the progress of Maglev. Inspite of this, many nations around the world have taken serious note of Maglev and have launched trial projects of varying degrees.