According to the Wikipedia, Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. With maglev, a vehicle travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, thereby reducing friction by a great extent and allowing very high speeds.

The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are lifting forces: providing an upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and stability: ensuring that the system does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized.

Maglev trains are both a fast and an eco-friendly means of transportation.

A superconducting maglev train developed using Japanese technology posted a top speed of 603km/h that was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in June 2015.

Widespread adoption of superconducting maglev trains both inside and outside Japan will make it possible to substantially reduce CO2 emissions.

One interesting about the Maglev is that it has no ?engine? i.e engine using any form of fossil fuel for its power. This is one of the important reasons why it is considered as the future means of transportation. However, the cost of production is quite on the high side.

The first commercially operated high-speed superconducting maglev train opened in Shanghai in 2004, while others are in operation in Japan and South Korea.

Another big benefit is safety. Maglev trains are "driven" by the powered guideway. Any two trains traveling the same route cannot catch up and crash into one another because they're all being powered to move at the same speed. Similarly, traditional train derailments that occur because of cornering too quickly can't happen with maglev. The further a maglev train gets from its normal position between the guideway walls, the stronger the magnetic force pushing it back into place becomes.


Energy for maglev trains is used to accelerate the train. Energy may be regained when the train slows down via regenerative braking. It also levitates and stabilizes the train's movement. Most of the energy is needed to overcome "air drag". Some energy is used for air conditioning, heating, lighting and other miscellany.

Advantages of MAGLEV

• The main advantage is maintenance. There is no contact between the guide way and the train which lessens the number of moving parts. Thus the components that wear out is little.
• Another advantage is the reduction in noise. As there are no wheels running along there is no wheel noise. However noise due to air disturbance will still be there.
• The next advantage is high speed. As there are no frictional contacts, the train is prone to have more speed.
• Another advantage is that the guide way can be made a lot thicker in uphill places, after stations and so on. This will help in increasing the speed of the train further.

The initial cost of MAGLEV trains are highly costly. The guide paths are also supposed to be more costly than conventional steel railways.

REFERENCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_levitation

http://phys.org/news/2016-06-maglev.html

https://asiaenvirotech.com/en/track-record/superconducting-linear-motor-car/

http://heightech.blogspot.com.ng/2013/04/maglev-trains-environmental-friendlines.html