Chinese Present Elements of 600 kph Maglev Train

Sept. 19, 2019 (EIRNS)—CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. unveiled the key components of its magnetic-levitation train with a designed speed of 600 kph in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province on Sept. 17, comprising parts of the train’s power system, including a long stator linear motor and two transformers.

He Yunfeng, an official of the company, said that in contrast to traditional electrical motors, the long stator linear motor features a simple structure, strong climbing ability, low noise, low energy consumption, and quick start and stop. The long stator linear motor plays the role of the “heart” of the high-speed train, and the transformers provide a constant and stable direct current power for the linear motor, equivalent to a “blood supply system,” as He put it.

The high-speed maglev train can fill the service gap between current high-speed rail and aviation services and is of great technological and economic significance for improving the country’s high-speed passenger transport network. High-speed trains in China now run at a speed of up to 350 kph. For long distances between cities, the new maglev can cut the current 4.5 hours for air travel, and 5.5 hours high-speed rail travel, between Beijing and Shanghai to 3.5 hours.

A prototype 600 kph magnetic-levitation train rolled off the production line in the eastern city of Qingdao in May.

The high-speed maglev train features speed, safety, reliability, low noise and vibration, large passenger capacity, on-time performance and low maintenance costs. It can be used to connect major cities or city clusters to boost regional integration.