Introduction
















Maglev systems are becoming a popular application around the globe. Maglev trains are popular in transportation stations in big countries like Germany, China, Japan and the United States of America due to the demand for high-speed transportation, as the general public transportation services become more congested with increase of population. Maglev trains are magnetically levitated trains that traverse in a very high speed, with only electricity being its main source of energy. The train propels forward without any friction from moving mechanical parts. It has many advantages with minor drawbacks.

The basis of maglev trains mechanisms are magnetic levitation. This is achieved with the principal of repulsion and attraction between two magnetic poles. When two magnets have the same poles, it will repel with each other and when it has different poles, the result would be otherwise.

There are currently three known maglev suspension systems. In this project report, we will be covering the basic principals of Electrodynamic Suspension Systems (EDS), Electromagnetic Suspension Systems (EMS) and Inductrack. The three suspension systems each have different characteristics and special features. While EDS and EMS both use only the interaction of magnets and superconductors, Inductrack uses coils on the track underneath the train body. All three suspension systems work under the same principal of magnetic levitation covered in this project report.

The maglev propulsion systems uses the interaction of stators, superconductors and magnets between the railway and the train. It has controls for speed and direction, which are based on electricity.