Maglev Trains

Maglev Trains and how they work.
Nicoula Saada
Grade 6

Presentation

No video provided

Problem

What do magnetic levitation trains run on and how do they work?

Method

For building my project demonstration, I contacted an electrician for building it to make sure the process

ran safely.

Here are the websites I used for my information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev 

https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm#:~:text=Maglev%20trains%20float%20on%20a,train%20%5Bsource%3A%20Boslaugh%5D 

https://www.britannica.com/technology/maglev-train

https://www.electricity-magnetism.org/maglev-trains/

Research

Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains are a type of transportation system that use magnetic forces to suspend and propel the train above the track, eliminating the need for wheels and reducing friction. This technology allows maglev trains to achieve high speeds and provide an efficient mode of transportation. Magnetic levitation is what is used to run speed trains. My project shows how maglev trains work by using the power of magnetic levitation,electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic flux. 

Data

Magnetic levitation trains run on a combination of superconducting magnets and electromagnetic propulsion systems. The superconducting magnets are used for levitation, allowing the train to float above the track without touching it. These magnets are cooled to extreme temperatures, which increases the power of the magnetic field.

Magnetic levitation trains also run on the principle of magnetic repulsion between the train cars and the track. The train achieves levitation, or floating above the track, through the use of an EDS (an electrodynamic suspension system). The track contains electromagnets that create a magnetic field, and the train cars have magnets that interact with this field, causing the train to levitate and glide above the track without touching it. The propulsion system of maglev trains is powered by AC (alternating current electricity), which generates magnetic forces that both attract and repel the train car, propelling it forward along the guideway.                                                                                                                                                             The electromagnetic propulsion system is responsible for moving the train along the guideway. It uses alternating current power to create both magnetic attraction and repulsion, which propels the train forward. This system eliminates the need for traditional engines used in conventional trains. In summary, maglev trains use superconducting magnets for levitation and an electromagnetic propulsion system for movement.

Magnetic flux plays a crucial role in the operation of magnetic levitation (maglev) trains. The interaction between the magnetic field generated by the track and the magnets on the train car is what enables levitation and propulsion. When an electric current passes through the track's electromagnets, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field induces a current in the magnets on the train car, which in turn generates a magnetic field of its own. The interaction between these magnetic fields creates a repulsive force, causing the train to levitate above the track.                                                        The principle responsible for the expulsion of the magnetic field from the superconducting magnets is known as the Meissner effect.

In maglev trains, magnetic repulsion is one of the key principles used to achieve levitation and propulsion. The concept of magnetic repulsion is based on the fact that magnetic poles repel each other. By utilizing this principle, maglev trains are able to float above the track and move forward. The magnetic repulsion in maglev trains is achieved through the use of electromagnets and superconducting magnets. The track is equipped with a series of electromagnets that generate a magnetic field. The train, on the other hand, is fitted with magnets that have the same polarity as the magnets on the track. As a result, the magnets on the train and the track repel each other, creating a levitating effect that keeps the train suspended above the track. To propel the train forward, the magnetic field on the track is constantly adjusted. The polarity of the magnets on the track changes, creating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnets on the train. This interaction generates a repulsive force that pushes the train forward, allowing it to move without the need for wheels or traditional propulsion systems.

Conclusion

There are many issues/problems about Magnetic Levitation Trains.Here are some of them:                                                                                      High infrastructure costs: Building the necessary guideways and electromagnetic systems required for maglev trains to operate is extremely expensive. A new dedicated infrastructure needs to be constructed from scratch.                                                                                                                    Power requirements: Maintaining the strong electromagnetic fields needed for levitation and propulsion requires enormous amounts of electric power. This makes maglev trains very energy intensive to operate.                                                                                                                            Maintenance challenges: Electromagnetic and superconducting systems require highly specialized maintenance and can develop technical faults over time. Repairs may not be straightforward.                                                                                                                                                          Weather sensitivity: Inclement weather like high winds or heavy rain could potentially interfere with the electromagnetic forces and cause stability issues. However, maglev may be less impacted than wheel-on-rail trains in some conditions.                                                                       Maintenance Complexity: Although maglev trains require less maintenance compared to conventional trains due to the absence of rolling friction, the maintenance and repair of the complex magnetic levitation and propulsion systems can be challenging and require specialized expertise.                    Public acceptance: Introducing an entirely new transportation technology requires significant effort to gain public understanding and trust in the new system.                                                                                                                                                                                                                In summary,magnetic levitation trains are very interesting and useful,but there are a lot of issues and there can be a lot of improvements made.            Conclusion to my hypothesis:                                                                                                                                                                                In summary, I was right about how maglev trains use superconducting magnets for levitation, but I never knew that an electromagnetic propulsion system caused the maglev trains to move forward.     

Citations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev 

https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm#:~:text=Maglev%20trains%20float%20on%20a,train%20%5Bsource%3A%20Boslaugh%5D 

https://www.britannica.com/technology/maglev-train

https://www.electricity-magnetism.org/maglev-trains/

Acknowledgement

I did the reserach,board and work. My parents were my supervisor in my electrical demonstration and I contacted an electrician and asked him a couple questions on how  to connect wires with the breadboard so that they connect with the drive board and arduino in my project demonstration.