Maglev trains use magnetic levitation to float above a guideway without touching it. The first commercial maglev in 1984 connected Birmingham Airport to a train station in England, but it closed in 1995 due to reliability issues. British engineer Eric Laithwaite developed the first working linear induction motor in the 1940s, enabling advanced transit systems without physical contact between vehicles and guideways. Maglev trains use electromagnetic and electrodynamic suspension for levitation and propulsion via magnets and electromagnetic coils. While offering benefits like high speeds and low maintenance, maglev systems require expensive infrastructure and are currently only implemented in a few countries.

1. Maglev TrainsMaglev Trains
Trains that fly on air.

2. IntroductionIntroduction
Maglev is short for Magnetic Levitation in
which trains float on a guide way using the
principle of magnetic repulsion. Each magnet has
two poles. Now if you play with two magnets,
you'll realize that opposite poles attract, whereas
similar poles repel. This repulsive property of
magnets is used in Maglev trains. However,
instead of using permanent magnets,
the principle of electromagnetism is used to
create strong and large temporary magnets.
When an electric current is passed through a coil
of wire, magnetic field is generated around the
coil according to Faraday's laws.

3. HistoryHistory
The first commercial maglev people
mover was simply called "MAGLEV" and
officially opened in 1984 near
Birmingham, England. It operated on an
elevated 600 m (2,000 ft) section of
monorail track between Birmingham
Airport and Birmingham International
railway station, running at speeds up to
42 km/h (26 mph). The system was
closed in 1995 due to reliability problems.

4. DevelopementDevelopement
In the late 1940s, the British electrical engineer Eric
Laithwaite, a professor at Imperial College London,
developed the first full-size working model of
the linear induction motor. He became professor of
heavy electrical engineering at Imperial College in
1964, where he continued his successful development
of the linear motor.Since linear motors do not
require physical contact between the vehicle and
guideway, they became a common fixture on
advanced transportation systems in the 1960s and
70s. Laithwaite joined one such project, the tracked
hovercraft, although the project was cancelled in
1973.

5. Technology in MagLevTechnology in MagLev
ELECTROMAGNETIC SUSPENSION: -
uses attractive magnetic force of magnet.
2 ELECTRODYNAMIC SUSPENSION
-uses repulsive force between 2

6. Basic principle of MAGLEVBasic principle of MAGLEV
Maglev trains have to perform the
following functions to operate in High
speed
1. Levitation 2. Propulsion 3. Lateral

7. LevitationLevitation
Magnetic Levitation is method by which
an object is suspended with no support
other than magnetic fields.
The magnetic force is used to counteract
the effect of the gravitational
Acceleration and any other accelerations

8. Propulsion System
•An alternating current is ran through electromagnet coils
on the guide walls of the guide way. This creates a
magnetic field that attracts and repels the superconducting
magnets on the train and propels the train forward.
•Braking is accomplished by sending an alternating current
in the reverse direction so that it is slowed by attractive and
repulsive forces.

9. Lateral GuidanceLateral Guidance
When one side of the train nears the side of
the guideway, the super conducting magnet on
the train induces a repulsive force from the
levitation coils on the side closer to the train
and an attractive force from the coils on the
farther side. This keeps the train in the center.

10. How MagLev WorksHow MagLev Works
 The electromagnets on the
underside of the train pull it up to
the ferromagnetic stators on the
track and levitate the train.
 The Magnets on the side keep the
train from moving from side to
side
 A computer changes the amount
of current to keep the train 1cm
above the track.
This means there is no friction
between train and track

11. Comparison with Normal TrainComparison with Normal Train
Maglev Trains Conventional Trains
No Friction=Less
maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Needed
No Engine= No fuel
required
Engine requires fossil fuels
Speed Excess of 480kmph Speed up to 160kmph
Capital cost per system is
very High
Less Expensive than maglev
trains
Available in Only Few
countries
Available in most of the
countries

12. Levitation System’s PowerLevitation System’s Power
SupplySupply
Batteries on the train power the system,
and therefore it still functions without
propulsion.
The batteries can levitate the train for 30
minutes without any additional energy.
Linear generators in the magnets on
board the train use the motion of the
train to recharge the batteries.
Levitation system uses less power than
the trains air conditioning.

13. AdvantagesAdvantages
50% Reduction in Locomotive Weight
60% Reduction in power/Fuel consumption
No maintenance at all
No friction (Air Resistance)
Less noisy
Economical High Speed
Time is saved
Extremely Safe (even under Earth-Quakes)

14. DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Installation Costs are too high because of
Maglev guide paths
Lack with existing infrastructure
early development status lack of control
over levitation

15. Countries uses Maglev TrainsCountries uses Maglev Trains