From Ideas to Implementation > 4. Photoconductivity >
Gather and process information to describe how superconductors and the effects of magnetic fields have been applied to develop a maglev train
- Magnetic Levitation (Maglev): The process of suspending an object using magnetic attraction or repulsion so that it is free of contact with any surface.
- Magnetic levitation has been applied in high-speed trains.
- Trains are suspended in the air and accelerated by changing the polarity of alternate magnets along the track, which provide alternating attractive and repulsive forces.
- There are two types of magnetic levitation systems used in trains:
- Electromagnetic Suspension System (EMS): Magnetic levitation system that operates using conventional electromagnets mounted under the train.
- EMS is unstable and needs to be constantly monitored and adjusted.
- Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS) System: Magnetic levitation system that uses superconducting magnets on the train and electrically conductive strips or coils in the guideway.
- EDS does not require the same degree of monitoring and adjustment as EMS.
- The requirement for low temperatures renders the EDS system impractical at this stage.