Phase 1 Technology - MagneRail
What It Is:
- A low cost electromagnetic railroad propulsion alternative
- No changes needed to existing rolling stock and railroad track
- No dangerous overhead catenary wires or hot third electric rails
as the system is only energized when the vehicle is above
propulsive motor section
- Particularly suited for:
1. dense urban environments where air and noise pollution are
important considerations
2. long uphill terrain where large amount of fuel is consumed
3. in long tunnels where adequate combustion air for diesel
operation is lacking
How It Works
Key building block of the ITSC/GA's Linear Synchronous Motor Modules (LSM) MagneRail
- Linear Synchronous Motor is nothing more than a conventional
rotary motor with the field laid flat, as depicted in diagram.
- LSM modules are three-phase electric windings encased in a
modular concrete beam (~18 ft. in length).
Referred to as “MagRail”, the technology is a unique approach to Transportation Electrification that uses stationary linear motor modules mounted on railroad tracks to provide the propulsive force for lightweight, inexpensive “passive” tow vehicles that use permanent magnets to react against the linear motor, in lieu of heavily, polluting diesel engines. When the LSM is energized, a moving magnetic field is created, which interacts with the magnet array on the tow vehicle. Standard railcar bogies are fitted with permanent magnets. Linear synchronous motors (LSM) modules that simply contain three phase wire windings are embedded in concrete sections, which mount between standard railroad tracks, without interfering with conventional railroad operations. Vehicle operation is driverless and is entirely automated.