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A presentation by Hessel

Introduction
A Maglev train is a train that operates using magnetic
levitation (thus called Maglev). Many countries already
have a few maglev trains, like the United State, the United
Kingdom, Germany and Japan. Most countries that have
maglev trains are MEDCs. There are, though, a few
countries that are not MEDCs, but do have maglev trains,
like China, India and Malaysia.
This presentation will be about the following topics:
How Maglev trains work
How Maglev trains affect the environment
How Maglev trains affect the economy

How The Maglev Train Works

There are two main types of mechanisms that are used for maglev
trains. One uses electromagnets to suspend and propel the train
forward, the other mechanism uses permanent magnets, both on the rails
and on the train. Both mechanisms are commonly used.

Electromagnetic Suspension
(made in Germany):

Electrodynamic Suspension
(made in Japan):

How The Maglev Train Works

Mechanism 1

Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) is based on electromagnets.

The train is suspended above a t-shaped track
Two magnets at the side to guide the train
Very vulnerable, because the correct distance has to be held between
the two magnets

A more detailed diagram

of the EMS mechanism

How The Maglev Train Works

Mechanism 2
Electrodynamic Supsension (EDS) uses permanent magnets, in
the train and in the rails
Two types of magnets in train (JR-Maglev and Inductrack)
JR-Maglev uses the repelling forces to stay suspended
Much more stable than EMS

A more detailed
mechanism of
the EDS
mechanism

Pros and Cons

They are faster than
They are not compatible
normal trains.
with normal rail tracks.
They
There arent any lines
are
more
profitable.
that branch off from
In theory, they are
main lines.
A strong magnetic field
usually quieter than
normal trains.
is required to levitate a
Tracks do not require
Maglev train
much maintenance.
They use less energy
than normal trains.
They are safer
than
They are
controlled by computers.
They are more expensive.
planes

How The Maglev Train Affects The Environment

(Hessel)

There are multiple ways in which the maglev train affects the
environment. Mainly, the positive difference between a normal train
and a maglev train. The biggest difference between a normal train
and a maglev train is, obviously, that the Maglev uses magnets,
instead of either electricity or motors. This makes the Maglev train
much better than normal trains.
Secondly, the tracks. Maglev train tracks need lots of magnets to
make. These magnets need to be made in factories. During the
process of making magnets, the factory lets our many very polluting
fumes into the air. Normal trains do use steel, that is also
manufactured in factories, but they dont have to use as much, which
means that the tracks of the Maglev is more polluting than the
normal train.
In conclusion, there are both good sides and bad sides of the
enviromental factor of the Magev train, but, all together, it is
probably less polluting than the normal trains beceause of its very
effective use of magnets.

Economic Effects

A Maglev train line can cost 60 million

dollars per kilometre.
They are more profitable.
Connecting cities together.
Exporting/importing maglev trains.