Issue Seven - Conversations on Technology, Business and Society

The Maglev Train—The world’s fastest train
BY JORAN BUZAABO
Today, we believe that mobility is the
engine of revolution. Every country eyes
transport with a kind eye. The need for
flexible transport system for people and goods
remain paramount. Needless to say, our very
own Rift valley Railways has taken less interest
in the passenger trains. The railway transport
is what most countries have seen as a solution
to their mobility problems.
China operates the world’s fastest train.
The Gazimondo train which operates by
Magnetic Levitation (maglev) makes record as
the fastest train ever developed in the world.
With this sophisticated technology behind its
operation, the Maglev train shoots to a super
speed of 217mph an equivalent 350km/hr. This
means not even any car can safely be as fast
as this train. This speed surpasses any other
technology developed in the railway history.
Operating on the principle of magnetic
levitation, the super-speed train has no wheels,
axles, pantographs, not even the engine. The
train does not roll, may be it flies- one can say.
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The train travels by the attractive magnetic
force between linear arrays of electromagnetic
coils; one side being the train itself,
the other side being the guide way. The
operation of the maglev train reflects straight
to that of the electric motor. Designed like a
motor cut open and stretched along the guide
way, alternating current passing through the
coils generates a strong magnetic field which
levitates the bus a few inches off the guide
way. This causes the train to propel without
contact on the guide way. The speed of the
train is monitored by varying the frequency
of alternating current. When the direction of
the alternating current is reversed, a reverse
magnetic field is formed which means the train
is able to brake safely.
This kind of unique system allows the
train to shoot to the unprecedented ground
breaking speed of more than 310mph. The
aerodynamic design helps it reduce air
resistance, and since it does not touch the
guide way, there is no friction. The maglev
train floats on a suspension of Air. It’s amazing
these kinds of trains are suitable for cargo
as well as human beings (passengers).
The propulsion system is in the guide way,
therefore neither the length nor the load
affects the acceleration power. The train will
carry a few containers of cargo, as well many
buses (wagons) and still sweep at its speeds
uninterrupted.
The first commercial line that operates this
kind of system runs between Shanghai and
Pudong international airport. Inaugurated in
2002, the regular daily trips started in 2004.
The train maintains the speed of 430km/hr for
50 seconds, thereafter it starts breaking.
As technology is taking a different
dimension, Uganda and all African countries
need to embrace these developments as they
are travel solutions. The superseding costs
vested on the roads, some can be diverted
to this very sector. The defunct lines need a
revival touch, so that in future we can have
people working as far as 100km commuting.
Congestion, reduced and high cost housing in
the major city can get an absolute solution.
2010 Africa Telehealth Conference
THEME: “Telehealth Conference for Africa, Middle East, Asia and
Europe: Bridging the Gap in Medicine.”
October 23-25, 2010, Cairo Egypt
www.texastelehealthtech.com
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