Experiments of Superconducting Maglev Ground Transportation

We report about the use of trapped-field HTS bulk Maglev above a PM guideway. Guideway and superconductors need a robust design and safe operation at LN2 cryogenic temperatures. Cryogenic refrigeration in compact cryostat design has been successfully proved. First generation of 40-cm-long bulk vacuum cryostats are capable to suspendmechanical loads up to 2.5 kN per module 1 cm above a magnetic guideway. The self-weight-to-load ratio is about 15, and thermal losses are reduced to 2.5W, allowing one-day operation without refilling LN2. More than 40 cryostats are now in successful operation. Thousands of people did ride many hundreds of kilometers in three larger Maglev train systems. We review and analyze the present PM biasing concepts and measure the parameters of a new flat cryostat type. Using FEM calculations and experiments, we propose universal PM biasing conditions for optimum track dimensions. The overall technical performance of the developed and fabricated vacuum cryostats is described.