3.6 Permanent magnet Maglev Ë 71Fig. 3.1:Lift pad magnetic structure built from magnetized unit blocks in the Magplane
Technology [66].
can be less expensive and more efficient than linear induction motor (LIM) propulsion
for Maglev at any speed. There is no need to transfer propulsion power or safety-
critical information to the vehicle or to depend on mechanical forces for acceleration
and braking [54].
The AMT scheme is similar to MagneMotion, but the differences in performance
and specification are bigger. Coils around the PMs adjust the magnetic forces 10,000
times per second to maintain this frictionless air gap while simultaneously controlling
guidance and vertical stability. The level of energy usage for AMT is significantly
less than the conventional wheels-on-rail technologies. In contrast to the average
conventional transportation energy usage rate of 6 kWh/km, this technology uses
approximately 1.8 kWh/km, or 70% net less energy [69]. The AMT’s passenger capacity
is 100 seats, about three times that of MagneMotion. However, AMT’s operating speed
is lower.
The PM-EDS has several advantages, simple structure, small size, low cost, etc.
The PM-EDS is, however, used for small systems only because of the absence of
high-powered PMs. The field concentration and the change of the magnetic field