Download Elisa Evans | Wednesday 16th of September 2015

Elisa Evans | Wednesday 16th of September 2015 | Posted In:
Generate, Generating energy
The relationship between electricity and magnetism is intriguing. I recently purchased a BB8 Star
Wars droid robot as a birthday present for my significant other. The technology behind the
‘magnetic spherical balancing robot’ is newly patented but there are other well-established uses of
magnetism. In fact, magnets interest me so much that during my upcoming visit to Japan I will be
travelling cross country via Bullet train, also known as the superconducting magnetically levitated
train (SCMAGLEV).
The magnets are made of superconducting wire which has no electrical resistance when current
flows so no energy is lost and an intense magnetic field is created. The Bullet train carries these
magnets and runs in a channel known as the guideway with sidewalls containing reaction coils. One
set of coils in the sidewalls are energised by an alternating current, creating a shifting magnetic
field on the guideway. The on board magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field
propelling the train forwards. As the train’s magnets pass by a special set of figure-8 coils in the
guideway, this induces electric current within the coils. The repulsive and attractive force between
the magnetic fields causes the train to levitate.
The train has a world record speed of 375 mph but the maximum operating speed is 200 mph. That
beats my old Three Bridges – London Bridge rush-hour commute any day. I will keep my eyes
peeled for all things interesting and energy-related on my travels, follow our Twitter feed for my
posts #Elisa.
Author: Elisa Evans
Talk to me about green electricity, Anaerobic Digestion and electricity and gas export.
Tel:
024 7669 8899
Job Title:
Energy Account Analyst Email:
[email protected]
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