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| Technology |
MAGLEV technology is based on magnetic levitation and propulsion. The train rides on a 3/8-inch cushion of air along a monorail guideway. The guideway can either be elevated or at grade. Magnets fitted to the vehicle react with magnetic rails attached to the underside of the guideway. Levitation magnets attract the vehicle from below toward the guideway, while the guidance magnets hold the vehicle on course laterally. The train is propelled magnetically through a propulsion system located in the guideway.
Benefits of the MAGLEV technology include high-speed operation (greater than 240 mph); environmentally friendly characteristics such as low noise emission, low energy consumption and minimal land consumption; and low equipment maintenance costs (since there are few mechanical and moving parts).
The most advanced application of MAGLEV technology has been in Germany, where a MAGLEV system is currently being planned. MAGLEV trains are also under development in Japan, with a slightly different technology, and several American MAGLEV technologies are currently in early development stages.
Transrapid International developed the technology identified for the California MAGLEV project. The high-tech business consortium is currently developing a MAGLEV project in Germany. Transrapid's MAGLEV technology has been under development for the past 25 years. Its 31-km demonstration track in Emsland, Germany has carried more than 300,000 fare-paying passengers. |
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