Report: Maglev Trains - Unique Features, Value, and Canadian Climate

This report examines maglev trains, focusing on their unique features, value, and sustainability, particularly in the context of the Canadian climate. It begins with an introduction to maglev technology, explaining how it utilizes magnetic levitation to achieve high speeds and smooth rides. The report then details the advantages of maglev trains over conventional rail systems, highlighting their quiet operation, minimal moving parts, and environmental friendliness. It discusses the value proposition of maglev technology, including its potential to reduce congestion and improve transportation efficiency. Furthermore, the report addresses the sustainability of maglev trains in Canada's harsh climate, emphasizing their resilience to extreme temperatures. The report concludes by reiterating the significance of maglev trains as a noteworthy innovation with the potential to transform transportation in Canada, offering reduced maintenance costs and environmental benefits. The report is a student contribution, available on Desklib.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
What Makes Maglev Trains Unique................................................................................................3
What Makes Maglev Trains Valuable.............................................................................................4
What Makes Maglev Trains Sustainable In Our Canadian Climate................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................6

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Maglev Trains
Introduction
Maglev refers to a system of train transportation which uses a pair of magnets, set to move the
train forward at a high speed taking advantage of the absence of friction and another one set to
repel and push the train up off the track. Along particular "medium range" routes (normally 320
to 640 Kilometers) Maglev trains are able to compete favorably with high-speed rails and
aircrafts (Bonsor, 2019). There are no moving parts in a Maglev train since train moves along a
guide-way of two sets of magnets that control the machine’s speed and stability. As a result,
Maglev trains are smoother and quieter than traditional railcars, and have the ability to travel at
much higher speeds. Introduction of Maglev trains in Canada can help solve a number of
problems associated with conventional trains such as delays, long waiting hours,
inconveniencies, and breakdowns while on transit. This report will examine why Maglev high-
tech trains is a noteworthy innovation in Canada.
What Makes Maglev Trains Unique
Maglev trains are unique and their general mode of operation surpasses other categories of rail
automobiles. Unlike conventional trains, Maglev trains are more smooth and quite. As pointed
out earlier, these automobiles have no moving parts rather they travel along a guideway of
magnets that regulate their velocity and stability (Boslaugh, 2019). Besides, Maglev autos have a
number of speed records and they can thus accelerate and decelerate faster comparatively. Also,
these vehicles as opposed to the orthodox ones require minimal amounts of power of levitation.
As Hall, (2018) argues Maglev trains do not lead to direct pollution and hence they are very
friendly to the environment. What is more, maglev trains are less costly to operate and even to

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maintain, since the lack of rolling friction implies that parts do not wear down quickly (as do, for
example, the wheels on a traditional wheeled trains). This implies that small amounts of
materials are used by the train’s operation, because parts do not continually have to be replaced
(Hall, 2018). These are some of the unique features of Maglev vehicles.
What Makes Maglev Trains Valuable
Maglev technology is a valuable innovation. Certainly, cost has always been a concern for this
project and sometimes appears as a challenge since a complete installation of a whole Maglev
train is quite very expensive. Maglev requires a well-build infrastructure comprising of power
supplies and substations and cannot be incorporated directly into an existing transport system.
However, as Wilson, (2014) says, levitating trains are worth the huge capital outlay needed to
complete them. It is hard to contest the benefits of maglev trains. They usually help in solving a
number of challenges in Canada which directly and indirectly affect the country’s economy.
They have, for example helped in reducing congestions on roads implying that delivery of
human resources and goods and services is now faster.
What Makes Maglev Trains Sustainable In Our Canadian Climate
Canada is characterized by prolonged freezing winters which make it one of the coldest countries
in the whole word. Generally, most regions experience temperatures which exceed the freezing
points and at times in the year, short summers. For many years, the extreme climatic changes
have been the primary impediment slowing down the effectiveness of railway operations. For
example, the severe winters of 2013-2014 led to a widespread disruption in railway supply
chains in the whole of Canada (Miller, 2015). Temperatures falling below -25C could affect the
steeled moving parts of the trains. However, it is worth noting that Maglev train cannot be

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affected by these extreme weather changes. This innovation does not involve any moving parts
and thus quite sustainable in our Canadian climate.
Conclusion
From the explanations in this report, it is evident that maglev trains transportation novelty is a
noteworthy innovation. They have got some unique attributes which make them quite more
outstanding than the wheeled conventional trains. One of the most exceptional uniqueness is that
they are environmentally friendly since they do not produce any harmful gasses commonly
associated with trains such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Despite the initial huge capital outlay
required to successfully launch a maglev train; this innovation can bring vast value to Canada.
Unlike the conventional trains, maglev machines require diminutive maintenance cost. There is
no any rolling friction involved and that means that most of the parts hardly wear out. Finally,
the report has also highlighted that maglev innovation is indeed sustainable in our Canadian
climate. It cannot be affected by the freezing winters frequently experienced in this country.

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References
Bonsor, K. (2019). How Maglev Trains Work. Retrieved from howstuffworks:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train1.htm
Boslaugh, S. E. (2019). Maglev train. Retrieved from Encyclopedia Britannica:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/maglev-train
Hall, D. (2018, May 29). Maglev trains: why aren't we gliding home on hovering carriages?
Retrieved from The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/may/29/maglev-magnetic-levitation-
domestic-travel
Miller, P. (2015). Winter’s Impact on Canadian Railway Operations: Fact and Fantasy.
http://www.policymagazine.ca/pdf/11/PolicyMagazineJanuaryFebruary-2015-Miller.pdf.
Wilson, C. (2014). Maglev: Magnetic Levitating Trains. Electrical and Computer Engineering
Design Handbook.