This book provides a comprehensive overview of magnetic levitation
(Maglev) technologies, from fundamental principles through to the
state-of-the-art, and describes applications both realised and under
development.
It includes a history of Maglev science and technology showing the
various milestones in its advancement. The core concepts, operating
principles and main challenges of Maglev applications attempted across
various fields are introduced and discussed. The principle difficulties
encountered when applying Maglev technology to different systems, namely
air gap control and stabilization, are addressed in detail. The book
describes how major advancements in linear motor and magnet technologies
have enabled the development of the linear-motor-powered Maglev train,
which has a high speed advantage over conventional wheeled trains and
has the potential to reach speed levels achieved by aircraft. However,
many expect that Maglev technology to be a green technology that is
applied not only in rail transportation, but also in diverse other
fields; to ensure clean transfer in LCD manufacturing, in ropeless high
speed elevators, small capacity rail transportation, space vehicle
launchers, missile testers, energy storage, and so on. These potential
applications and their unique challenges and proposed technological
solutions are introduced and discussed in depth.
The book will provide readers from academia, research institutes and
industry with insights on where and how to apply Maglev technology, and
will serve as a guide to the realization of their Maglev applications.
