Transportation Dept.
MAGNETIC LEVITATING TRAIN
WITH NEAR ZERO ENERGY
CONSUMPTION
UAQ 4
UAQ 4 is the most advanced and ecological train in the world.
The system is a guided train using superconductors and
supermagnets for lifting and guiding. It is a unique and patented
technology, that is comprehensively tested in the laboratory.
UAQ 4 is the only magnetic levitating vehicle with 100% resistance
free motion, except aerodynamic drag.
The energy consumption is almost zero.
When compared with similar traditional high speed train at 500
kmph, the annual energy saving is 7,000 tonn/year of fuel per
train.
The system significantly minimizes environmental impact as it
does not have any vibrations, noise and pollution.
UAQ 4 can operate at both low speed in urban environment and
high speed (up to 600 kmph in air, and even higher in tube) for
long distance trips.
In order to illustrate better the novel aspects of UAQ 4, a brief
historical review of the technology developments of the past 40
years is presented in the following pages.
Additionally, more details of the technology used in UAQ 4 is
presented. The list of scientific papers published over 40 years by
UAQ 4 researchers is also provided.
1960
1975
BERTIN
France
IAP 3
Italy
GARRET
USA
• Reverse T shaped way
• Air Cushion
• Helix propulsion
• U shaped way, Air Cushion, SLIM propulsion, Active suspensions
• Railway vehicle driven by
double sided linear motor
1976
TRANSRAPID
Germany
• Electromagnetic levitation to attraction with dynamic control• Propulsion with synchronous linear motor
Disadvantages:
•Minimum operative distance (8 mm), Unstable system, Control problems,
Magnetic resistance, Excessive vibration, High precision of the way
MAGLEV
Japan
• Electrodynamics levitation with superconducting coils
• Linear motor propulsion
EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEMS SINCE 1976
INDUTRACK - U.S.A.
• Magnets on vehicle
• Inductive way
• Propulsion with synchronous linear engine
Disadvantages:
•Need of wheels
•Strong magnetic resistance to motion
•Expensive way
ITALY - SYSTEM USING MEISSNER EFFECT
1990 Lanzara - Italy- U.S. PATENT . n. 4,979,445
• Lift and guide forces of the system that are generated from
interaction between superconducting runner onboard and way
magnetic field. The superconducting runners refuse the magnetic
field, generated from supermagnets on the way (Meissner Effect)
• Levitation in any motion condition
• Stable equilibrium without control systems
• No magnetic resistance to motion ( except aerodynamic
resistance)
• High operative gap
• No magnetic field effect on the vehicle and environment
UAQ 4 – Italy– 2 PATENTS: n. AQ2007A000003 n. AQ2007A000013 (Lanzara, D’Ovidio, Crisi)
Additional features:
•System architechture that is simple and compatable with traditional rails
•Magnetic field confined into the way
•Superconducting runners magnetically joined in the way
1
3
46
1
77 228 9
6
0,86
2,6
6
2,01 2,01
Trave in ferro
Magnete permanente
Elemento di fissaggio Superconduttori
Basamento
Guidovia di levitazione
Pianale
Slitta
0,7
0,29
Pattino superconduttivo
0,66
Guidovia di propulsione
0,7
0,43
0,66
Trave in ferro
Magnete permanente
Elemento di fissaggio Avvolgimenti elettrici
Basamento
Pianale
Slitta
Pattino di propulsione
Studies
Guided cushion vehicle with automatic
stability granted by
US - Department of Commerce
University of Kentucky
Lanzara Fulbright
Italy 1968 - 1976:University of Palermo
Aereonautic institute
Lanzara et alii
Prototype IAP3
Technology using air cushion, single
side linear motor and active
suspension
Italy 1992 – 2008:University of L’Aquila
Faculty of Engineering
Lanzara, D’Ovidio, Crisi et alii
UAQ 4
Levitating train technology using
superconductor and supermagnets
with DC linear motor
Invention of high temperature
superconductors and supermagnets1986 - 1990
Experimental demonstration of UAQ 4 system
Patent n. AQ2007A000003
Propulsion
Patent n. AQ2007A000013
Lift and Guide
S
Z
Z
X
PM
(NeFe
B)Iron
M
Y
Z
X
Experimental Boogie