On the future sustainable ultra-high-speed maglev: An energy-economical superconducting linear thrusting system

Abstract

Along with 1000-km/h magnetically levitated trains (maglevs), an era of future traveling is approaching. With only ∼1/5 energy consumption per passenger kilometer while achieving a similar speed compared to airplanes, the ultra-high-speed maglevs would change the way the world moves with an on-demand sustainable mass transportation system that connects cities in minutes. Meanwhile, with ever-advancing superconducting technology, the zero-joule-loss magnet in high-density-energy preservation is much improved with strong magnetic field. This consequently enables the energy-efficient but powerful superconducting linear thrusting system - the key part that drives the maglevs to the speed, in an even more energy-friendly way. Here, we take advantage of superconductor, and present successful solutions to two energy bottlenecks regarding energy preservation and conversion unique to this novel thrusting system, that is, 1) on-board feeding power constraint and 2) field-ripple-caused loss, by demonstrating a prototype with two merits: 1) its on-board superconducting propulsive magnet can operate as a standalone system free of any on-board feeding powers for maintaining energizing and cryogenic cooling; 2) the ground propulsive structure can greatly suppress thermal loss during operation. We hope the work could solve energy issues in the future maglev, and prompt the process of transport electrification and decarbonization.