pacific nw transportation consortium region 10 Pactrans

MagAcc: Proof-of-Concept for Experimental Propulsion System (TR5-TR6)

PI: Billy Connor (UAF), bgconnor@alaska.edu, ORCID: 0000-0002-4289-2620

Co PIs: none

AMOUNT & MATCH: $60,000 from PacTrans; $60,000 Match

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 3/16/2022 – 3/15/2023

STATUS: Active

CATEGORIES: Magnetic Acceleration, Advanced Technology, New Modes

RESEARCH PROJECT HOT SHEET:

UTC PROJECT DOCUMENTATION:

FINAL PROJECT REPORT: will be available once completed

PROJECT DATA: will be available once completed

DESCRIPTION: Our goal is to develop a scaled-down prototype of the propulsion portion of the MagAcc system and demonstrate the actions of the linear polarity switching series of the magnetic fields and polarity orientation. Our test of this concept for a new propulsion system will prove how to achieve the train’s acceleration, slowdown and braking by solely utilizing permanent magnets. We propose to complete the construction and perform tests on a track that would accelerate a train over a ten-foot oval area. In particular, this track will demonstrate the effectiveness of acceleration solely utilizing permanent magnets arranged in the London Assemblage (LA) configuration. This track will allow us to test the peak speed of the train, as well as gain understanding of how existing train tracks can be retrofitted with this propulsion system.

Preliminary research suggests that the Linear Polarity Switching series features inherent advantages, such as cheap and simplistic construction, because windings and electricity are eliminated; less stress due to high force ripples, less vibration and acoustic noise, and less complex polarity switching control units, because its switching is internal. We expect that this new research on the MagAcc propulsion system will confirm that. Once developed and scaled up, this alternative propulsion system should outperform present Maglev systems in efficiency and cost.