Potential impact of high temperature superconductors on maglev transportation

Technical Report · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5353237· OSTI ID:5353237

Hull, J R

This report describes the potential impact that high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) may have on transportation by magnetically levitated vehicles. It is not intended as a planning document, but rather as an overview of potential HTS applications to magnetic-levitation (maglev) transportation. The present maglev program in the United States is summarized, and the present status of development of HTSs is described. Areas identified for possible impact on maglev technology are (1) liquid-nitrogen-cooled levitation magnets, (2) magnetic-field shielding of the passenger compartment, (3) superconducting magnetic energy storage for wayside power, (4) superconducting bearings for flywheel energy storage for wayside power, (5) downleads to continuously powered liquid-helium-cooled levitation magnets, and (6) liquid-hydrogen-cooled levitation magnets and linear motor propulsion windings. Major technical issues that remain to be resolved for the use of HTSs in maglev applications include thermal magnetic stability, mechanical properties, and critical current density at liquid-nitrogen temperatures.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Energy Systems Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: DOD; Department of Defense, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5353237
• Report Number(s): ANL/ESD/TM-27; ON: DE92012683
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

665412* -- Superconducting Devices-- (1992-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETS
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTORS
LEVITATED TRAINS
MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
MAGNETS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STORAGE
SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS
SUPERCONDUCTORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRAINS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
VEHICLES