Electromagnetic Fields of High-Speed Transportation Systems. Maglev Technologies in Comparison with Steel-Wheel-Rail

This study examines potential health and environmental effects associated with electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by electrically powered high-speed transportation systems. Based on available calculated and experimental data, electromagnetic field exposure in conventional steel-wheel-rail systems, including ICE, TGV and Shinkansen, is compared with two high-speed maglev technologies: Germany's Transrapid and Japan's superconducting SC Maglev. The analysis considers peak electromagnetic field values generated by power supply, propulsion, levitation and guidance systems, with particular attention to passenger exposure and effects on the surrounding environment. The results indicate that electric-field exposure is negligible and that the measured and calculated magnetic-field values for all systems considered remain below internationally accepted health-protection limits. Transrapid exhibits comparatively low magnetic-field levels, whereas the SC Maglev requires more extensive magnetic shielding because of its superconducting magnets and larger air gap. Although these shielding measures effectively limit passenger exposure, their additional weight may adversely affect energy consumption and operating economics. Keywords: Maglev; electromagnetic fields; high-speed transportation; Transrapid; SC Maglev; Chuo Shinkansen; steel-wheel-rail; magnetic field exposure; health protection; magnetic shielding.