Application Potential of Maglev Technology in Transport Systems

Magnetic levitation is a promising technology for transport application. Compared to traditional transport technologies, such as rail-wheel systems, it offers total friction-less (EMS) or almost friction-less motion (EDS). Today there exist two fundamentally different maglev system technologies, the electromagnetic system (EMS) and the electrodynamic system (EDS). Both system technologies are in competition with conventional rail-wheel systems, mainly in high-speed transportation (EM and EDS) but also in low- and medium speed transportation (EMS). In high-speed transportation maglev systems can compete even with air transport. On a world-wide scale, there exist maglev systems for the high- speed and medium-speed sector, some in commercial operation and some in testing phase. The paper discusses the costs and benefits of the two maglev system technologies based on technical, environmental, social and economic aspects and criteria. These include energy consumption, emissions as well as investment for the infrastructure and estimation of operational costs. In addition, some soft criteria such as passenger comfort and acceptance are considered. As far as available, testing data and operational experience from operating maglev systems and application projects are used. The pros and cons of each system technology (EMS and EDS) for high-speed, medium-speed, passenger and freight transport are discussed in order to evaluate the application potential of maglev technologies. Keywords: Maglev system technologies, environmental aspects, technical and economical aspects, comparison with existing transportation technologies