Applications of superconductor technologies to transportation

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5654262

Rote, D M; Herring, J S; Sheahen, T P

This report assesses transportation applications of superconducting devices, such as rotary motors and generators, linear synchronous motors, energy storage devices, and magnets. Among conventional vehicles, ships appear to have the greatest potential for maximizing the technical benefits of superconductivity, such as smaller, lighter, and more-efficient motors and, possibly, more-efficient generators. Smaller-scale applications include motors for pipeline pumps, all-electric and diesel-electric locomotives, self-propelled rail cars, and electric highway vehicles. For diesel-electric locomotives, superconducting units would eliminate space limitations on tractive power. Superconducting magnetic energy storage devices appear most suitable for regenerative braking or power assistance in grade climbing, rather than for long-term energy storage. With toroidal devices (especially for onboard temporary energy storage), external fields would be eliminated. With regard to new vehicle technologies, the use of superconducting devices would only marginally enhance the benefits of inductive-power-coupled vehicles over conventional electric vehicles, but could enable magnetically levitated (maglev) vehicles to obtain speeds of 520 km/h or more. This feature, together with the quiet, smooth ride, might make maglev vehicles and attractive alternative to intercity highway-vehicle or airlane trips in the range of 100-600 mi. Electromagnetic airport applications are not yet feasible.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/CE
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5654262
• Report Number(s): ANL/CNSV-68; ON: DE90000856
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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