Transportation in the twenty-first century
New energy-efficient and environmentally-sound magnetically levitated (maglev) transportation systems are being developed that have the potential to supplement and extend the intercity portion of our transportation system, and to alleviate part of the commuter congestion on our highways. Prototype passenger-carrying maglev vehicles are now operating in Japan and Germany. The capabilities of these systems, described in science fiction over two decades ago, are no longer speculative. They will be capable of transporting 100--150 passengers per vehicles or 1500 passengers per train at speeds of 250--350 mph. While performing many of the same functions of short-haul aircraft, these electrically powered vehicles: do not emit pollutants along the route; use about 1/3 the energy per passenger mile of modern aircraft; do not contact the guideway and therefore minimize maintenance; are silent except for the noise of air passing over the body. This paper assesses current maglev technology. 7 refs., 5 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Department of Transportation, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10102977
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CP-74752; CONF-9110278-1; ON: DE92003521
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Clean air act amendments: an economic opportunity for Illinois and the Midwest,Chicago, IL (United States),11 Oct 1991; Other Information: PBD: [1991]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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