Magnetic levitation is a highly advanced technology which uses the principle of Electromagnetic suspension & Electrodynamics suspension technology. It has various uses, The common point in all applications is the lack of contact and no friction. This increases efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and increases the useful life of the system. Magnetic levitation is a technique to suspend an object without any support other than that of a magnetic field. There are already many countries that are attracted to maglev system. Many system have been proposed in different parts of the worlds. Maglev can be conveniently considered as a solution for the future needs of the world. This contribution deals with magnetic levitation. An overview of types, principles and working of magnetic levitation is given with the example by train are presented.

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Magnetic levitation (maglev) systems are electromechanical device that suspend
ferromagnetic material using electromagnetism. Magnetic levitation technology is used in
high speed trains, in which the train is lifted from the guideway by a magnetic field.
Propulsion is by means of a moving magnetic field. Magnetic levitation systems have
received much attention as a mean of eliminating Coulomb friction due to mechanical
contact. They are becoming popular in two different kinds of realization: high-speed
motion and precision engineering industry.
Levitation bearing has been used from the beginning in rotating machinery to
support rotors without friction low energy consumption, high rotational speed, no
lubrication and greater reliability. It also allows a simpler and safer mechanical design as
in the case of pumps used in nuclear installations where fluid leakage avoidance is of
primary importance. The most famous application is high speed ground transportation
systems: Japanese “Maglev” and German “Transrapid”, shown in Fig. 1, are very fast
trains with linear motor.
Fig.1: German “Transrapid”

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There are different categories of magnetic levitation in which research and
development efforts are being made. Based on the basic principle, magnetic levitation
may broadly be classified into two types, electrodynamics levitation and electromagnetic
levitation. The electrodynamics system actuates through repulsive forces. Most of such
systems utilize superconducting magnets to generate the forces. One of the main
constraints of the superconducting repulsion principle is that it cannot provide suspension
force below some critical speed. The electrodynamics levitation system (EDLS) is
inherently stable, but at high speed it possess stability problem due to negative damping.
So some kind of passive damper is required in electro-dynamically levitated vehicle to
maintain stability at high speed.
In electromagnetic levitation system (EMLS), the levitation is produced due to the
attractive force between electromagnets and ferromagnetic object. In electromagnetic
levitation (attraction system), the electromagnets are driven either by AC or DC source.

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CHAPTER 2: MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAIN
Magnetic levitation is method by which an object is suspended in air with no support
other than magnetic field. Maglev can create frictionless, efficient, far-out sounding
technology. If a Maglev wants to use this force to levitate, it needs a strong magnetic field
in its wagons. We could use normal magnets, but their magnetic power is limited. The
most efficient way to produce the most powerful magnetic field we know of today, with a
reasonable energy cost, is the use superconducting coil. For efficiency reasons, the
superconducting coils are placed on the sides of the wagons (four on each side), these
coils are made with conventional superconductors that require very low temperatures, a
few kelvins above absolute zero: they are hence always surrounded with liquid helium.
Magnetically levitated train is a highly modern vehicle. Maglev vehicles use noncontact
magnetic levitation, guidance, and propulsion systems and have no wheels, axles, and
transmission. Contrary to traditional railroad vehicles, there is no direct physical contact
between maglev vehicle and its guide-way. These vehicles move along magnetic fields
that are established between the vehicle and its guide-way. Conditions of no mechanical
contact and no friction provided by such technology make it feasible to reach higher
speeds of travel attributed to such train.
Maglev trains can be conveniently considered as a solution for transportation
needs of the current time as well as future needs of the world. . The levitation coils are
installed on the sidewalls of the guide-way. When the on-board superconducting magnets
pass at a high speed about several centimeters below the center of these coils, an electric
current is induced within the coils, which then act as electromagnets temporarily. As a
result, there are forces which push the superconducting magnet upwards and ones which
pull them upwards simultaneously, thereby levitating the maglev vehicle. The levitation
coils facing each other are connected under the guidway, constituting a loop.
When a running maglev vehicle, that is a superconducting magnet, displaces
laterally, an electric current is induced in the loop, resulting in a repulsive force acting on
the levitation coils of the side near the car and an attractive force acting on the levitation
coils of the side farther apart from the car. Thus, a running car is always located at the
center of the guideway. A repulsive force and an attractive force induced between the
magnets are used to propel the vehicle (superconducting magnet). The propulsion coils
located on the sidewalls on both sides of the guideway are energized by a three-phase
alternating current from a substation, creating a shifting magnetic field on the guideway.

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The on-board superconducting magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field,
propelling the maglev vehicle. There are two types of magnetic levitation as follows,
2.1 TYPES OF MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAIN
Magnetic levitation Train can be based on several types follows as
2.1.1 Electromagnetic suspension
2.1.2 Electrodynamics suspension
2.1.1 Electromagnetic suspension
Electromagnetic suspension works like an active magnetic bearing. This
principle is sometimes called a servo-stabilization. Sensors measure the air-gap between
an electromagnet and guideway. Control system tries to keep it constant.
Servo-stabilization is able to hold the body in the required position, even if the
train standstill. Therefore no wheels are required for assuring of the main levitation
function. However some retainer wheels for safety purposes are usually employed. In
EMS system, the vehicle is levitated about 1 to 2 cm above the guideway using attractive
forces, the electromagnets on the vehicle interact with and are attracted to levitation rails
on the guideway. Electromagnets attached to the vehicle are directed up toward the
guideway, which levitates the vehicle above the guideway and keeps the vehicle levitated.
Control of allowed air gaps between the guideway and vehicle is achieved by using
highly advanced control systems. The electromagnet use feedback control to maintain
train at a constant distance from the track.
Fig. 2.1: Electromagnetic suspension
In EMS train levitate due to the attraction between the opposite poles of magnets one in
the guideway & the other in the undercarriage. The distance between the train & the
undercarriage must maintained 15mm. The train also remains suspended in air when it is

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not moving, Minor changing between the magnets and the train produces a varying force
and this force is very unstable do complex electronic Feedback system is Necessary to
maintain the accurate distance. The system varies the current in electromagnets & control
the magnetic force of attraction.
2.1.2 Electrodynamics Suspension
In Electrodynamics suspension the train is levitated by the repulsive force
between these magnetic fields. The magnetic field in the train is produced by either
electromagnets or by an array of permanent magnets. The repulsive force in the track is
created by an induced magnetic field in wires or other conducting strips in the track. In
EDS system, the vehicle is levitated about above the track using repulsive forces.
Fig 2.2 Electrodynamics suspension
In EDS both the track & the train exert a magnetic field & the train is levitate by
the repulsive force between these magnetic field

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CHAPTER 3: BASIC PRINPLES OF THE MAGNETIC
LEVITATION TRAIN & BLOCK DIAGRAM
Maglev trains have to perform the following functions to operate in high speed
1. Levitation
2. Propulsion
3. Lateral guidance
3.1 Levitation
The levitation coils are installed on the sidewalls of the guideway. When the on-
board superconducting magnets pass at a high speed about several centimeters below the
center of these coils, an electric current is induced within the coils, which then act as
electromagnets temporarily. As a result, there are forces which push the superconducting
magnet upwards and ones which pull them upwards simultaneously, thereby levitating the
maglev vehicle. The levitation coils facing each other are connected under the guideway,
constituting a loop.
When a running maglev vehicle, that is a superconducting magnet, displaces
laterally, an electric current is induced in the loop, resulting in a repulsive force acting on
the levitation coils of the side near the car and an attractive force acting on the levitation
coils of the side farther apart from the car. Thus, a running car is always located at the
center of the guideway. A repulsive force and an attractive force induced between the
magnets are used to propel the vehicle (superconducting magnet). The propulsion coils
located on the sidewalls on both sides of the guideway are energized by a three-phase
alternating current from a substation, creating a shifting magnetic field on the guideway.
The on-board superconducting magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field,
propelling the maglev vehicle.
Fig 3.1 shows principle of levitation

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3.2 Propulsion
The propulsion coils are active, which means they are supplied by a source of
energy: this makes sense; the train must accelerate and defeat air resistance. Since these
coils are made of metal, they consume energy. Nevertheless, they can be totally
controlled: when the direction and the intensity of the currents going through them are
controlled, the sign and the intensity of the created magnetic field are also controlled. To
make the Maglev accelerate, you only need to send an electric current in the propulsion
coils located in the beams upstream from the Maglev in order to attract it; and to send an
electric current in the coils downstream in order to push it. Attracted in the front and
pushed in the back, the Maglev accelerates. The engine of the Maglev is hence located in
the tracks! To slow down, we only need to invert the current, pushing the front of the
Maglev and attracting its back.
Furthermore, the wagons are equipped with air brakes in order to slow down
without consuming any energy. The propulsion coils located on the sidewalls on both
sides of the guideway are energized by a three-phase alternating current from a
substation, creating a shifting magnetic field on the guideway. The on-board
superconducting magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field, propelling the
maglev vehicle.
Fig 3.2 shows of principle propulsion
3.3 Lateral Guidance
The track along which the train moves is called the guide way. Both the guide way
as well as the train’s undercarriage also have magnets which repel each other. Thus the
train is said to levitate about 0.39 inches on top of the guide way. After the levitation is
complete, enough power has to be produced so as to move the train through the guide

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way. This power is given to the coils within the guide way, which in turn produces
magnetic fields, which pulls and pushes the train through the guide way.
Fig 3.3 shows principle of lateral guidance
The current that is given to the electric coils of the guide way will be alternating in
nature. Thus the polarity of the coils will be changing in period. Thus the change causes a
pull force for the train in the front and to add to this force, the magnetic field behind the
train adds more forward thrust.
3.4 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAIN
Fig. 3.4: Block diagram of maglev train
Fig.3.1 shows the block diagram of maglev train. Here the 3ø AC Power (variable) is
being fed to a controller (variable frequency). The frequency will decide the speed of the
train. The overall MAGLEV system is made up of two subsystems: propulsion and
levitation.

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CHAPTER 4: WORKING OF MAGLEV TRAIN
Fig. 4.1: Working principle of maglev train
Fig. 4.2: Magnetic field & forces acting on the track
The train will be floating about 10mm above the magnetic guiding track. The train
will be propelled to move by the guide way itself. Thus, there is no need of any engine
inside the train. The detailed working of MAGLEV train is shown in the figure below.
The train is propelled by the changing in magnetic fields. As soon as the train starts to
move, the magnetic field changes sections by switching method and thus the train is again
pulled forward. The whole guide way is run by electromagnets so as to provide the
magnetic effect.

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In a traditional DC electric motor, a central core of tightly wrapped magnetic
material (known as the rotor) spins at high speed between the fixed poles of a magnet
(known as the stator) when an electric current is applied. In an AC induction motor,
electromagnets positioned around the edge of the motor are used to generate a rotating
magnetic field in the central space between them. This "induces" (produces) electric
currents in a rotor, causing it to spin. In an electric car, DC or AC motors like these are
used to drive gears and wheels and convert rotational motion into motion in a straight
line.
A linear motor is effectively an AC induction motor that has been cut open and
unwrapped. The "stator" is laid out in the form of a track of flat coils made from
aluminum or copper and is known as the "primary" of a linear motor. The "rotor" takes
the form of a moving platform known as the "secondary." When the current is switched
on, the secondary glides past the primary supported and propelled by a magnetic field.
Linear motors have a number of advantages over ordinary motors. Most
obviously, there are no moving parts to go wrong. As the platform rides above the track
on a cushion of air, there is no loss of energy to friction or vibration (but because the air-
gap is greater in a linear motor, more power is required and the efficiency is lower). The
lack of an intermediate gearbox to convert rotational motion into straight-line motion
saves energy. Finally, as both acceleration and braking are achieved through
electromagnetism, linear motors are much quieter than ordinary motors.
4.1 Superconducting Magnets Principle
The main problem with linear motors has been the cost and difficulty of
developing suitable electromagnets. Enormously powerful electromagnets are required to
levitate (lift) and move something as big as a train, and these typically consume
substantial amounts of electric power. Linear motors often now use superconducting
magnets to solve this problem.
If electromagnets are cooled to low temperatures using liquid helium or nitrogen
their electrical resistance disappears almost entirely, which reduces power consumption
considerably. This helpful effect, known as superconductivity, has been the subject of
intense research since the mid 1980s and makes large-scale linear motors that much more
viable.

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CHAPTER 5: APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS OF MAGLEV
TECHNOLOGY
5.1 Applications
1. Aerospace Engineering(space craft, Rocket)
2. Nuclear Engineering(centrifuge)
3. Military Weapon Engineering(Rocket, Gun)
4. Civil Engineering & Building Facilities
5. Biomedical Engineering(Heart pump)
6. Chemical Engineering(Analyzing Foods and Beverages)
7. Electrical Engineering(Magnet, etc)
8. Architectural Engineering & Household Appliances
9. Automotive Engineering(car etc)
5.2 Advantages
1. The foremost advantage of maglev trains is the fact that it doesn't have moving parts as
conventional trains do, and therefore, the wear and tear of parts is minimal, and that
reduces the maintenance cost by a significant extent.
2. More importantly, there is no physical contact between the train and track, so there is
no rolling resistance. While electromagnetic drag and air friction do exist, that doesn't
hinder their ability to clock a speed in excess of 200 mph.
3. Absence of wheels also comes as a boon, as you don't have to deal with deafening
noise that is likely to come with them.
4. Maglevs also boast of being environment friendly, as they don't resort to internal
combustion engines.
5. These trains are weather proof, which means rain, snow, or severe cold don't really
hamper their performance.
6. Experts are of the opinion that these trains are a lot safe than their conventional
counterparts as they are equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, which can keep
things in control even when the train is cruising at a high speed.
5.3 Disadvantages
The biggest problem with maglev trains is the high cost incurred on the initial setup .

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CHAPTER 6: IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS
In Germany, engineers are building an electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system,
called Transrapid. In this system, the bottom of the train wraps around a steel guideway.
Electromagnets attached to the train’s undercarriage are directed up toward the guideway,
which levitates the train about one-third of an inch (1 cm) above the guideway and keeps
the train levitated even when it’s not moving. Other guidance magnets embedded in the
trains body keep it stable during travel. Germany has demonstrated that the Transrapid
maglev train can reach 300 mph with people on board.
Japanese engineers are developing a competing version of Maglev trains that use
an electrodynamics suspension (EDS) system, which is based on the repelling force of
magnets. The key difference between Japanese and Germany Maglev trains is that the
Japanese trains use super-cooled superconducting electromagnets. These kinds of
electromagnets can conduct electricity even after the power supply has been shut off. In
the EMS system, which uses standard electromagnets, the coils only conduct electricity
when a power supply is present. By chilling the coils at frigid temperatures, Japanes
system saves energy.

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CHAPTER 8: FUTURE SCOPE IN INDIA
Maglev train from Pune (Pimple Saudagar) to Mumbai (Panvel) :
The Indian Ministry is currently in the process of reviewing a proposal to start a
Maglev train system in India. It has already been estimated that the cost to complete this
process would be over $30 Billion. The company who sent the proposals is a company
based in the United States. Although still at a preliminary stage if completed, the train
travel time between the two cities will be reduced to three hours, compared to an original
16 hours & fuel consumption of 0.2 million liters a day .
Mumbai to Delhi:
A maglev line project is proposed to serve between the cities of Mumbai and Delhi, the
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that if the line project is successful the Indian
government would build lines between other cities and also between Mumbai Centraland
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
Mumbai - Nagpur
The State of Maharashtra has also approved a feasibility study for a maglev train between
Mumbai (the commercial capital of India as well as the State government capital) and
Nagpur (the second State capital) about 1,000 km (620 mile) away. It plans to connect the
regions of Mumbai and Pune with Nagpur via less developed hinterland (via
Ahmednagar, Beed, Latur, Nanded and Yavatmal).
Chennai - Bangalore - Mysore
A maglev line project is proposed to serve between the cities of Chennai and Mysore via
Bangalore. The speed of Maglev will be 350 kmph and will take 30 mins from Chennai to
Mysore via Bangalore.

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CONCLUSION
Magnetic levitation is very promising technology for the high speed
transportation. MAGLEV trains make use of Electrodynamics and Electromagnetic
suspension for their propulsion. In this report two types of Maglev technologies i)
Electromagnetic suspension ii) Electrodynamics suspension are explained. It is found that
that EDS is Efficient, FAST, CHEAP and reliable.
The speed of the Maglev trains is 560 km/hr where as the conventional trains run
at a speed of 100 km/hr (Rajdhani).
A conventional train uses Diesel as fuel and emits lot of Green house gases (CO2,
NOX, etc) which is causing Global Warming and pollution.
There is no friction in Maglev trains, hence no losses due to friction. Therefore
Maglev trains are more efficient and less noisy than conventional trains.
Therefore MAGLEV trains are better than traditional trains because of their
construction and working principle.
.

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