Maglev Systems Technology Division

Profile

The Maglev Systems Technology Division is conducting fundamental research on the superconducting magnetically levitated transport system (superconducting Maglev), such as on the characteristics of linear motors, vehicle dynamics, superconducting magnets and their refrigeration systems, and ground coils. The Division is also conducting research on technologies such as Superconducting feeder system, Superconducting magnetic energy storage, and linear-induction-motor-type eddy-current brakes with power regenerative functions.

In order to conduct the research described above, the Division has three laboratories, in the fields of Electromagnetic Systems, Cryogenic Systems, Applied Superconductivity, and the Yamanashi Maglev Test Center.

The development of the superconducting Maglev system began in 1962, and various tests on the Miyazaki and Yamanashi Maglev Test Lines are leading to further achievements in technological development.

The Division has developed testing apparatus with high originality, and continues to conduct fundamental research related to the superconducting Maglev system using these facilities. In order to fully utilize the results of technological development of the superconducting Maglev system, the Division will continue to promote the application of these technologies to conventional railway systems, while confirming the needs of railway operators.

Introduction

Railway Technical Research Institute(RTRI), in collaboration with Central Japan Railway Company(CJRC), has conducted a running test at the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line since April 1997. As a result, in March 2005, the Maglev Technological Practicality Evaluation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of Japan concluded that "the fundamental technology of JR maglev has been established for commercial use." “fundamental plan for R&D of JR Maglev” which is approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is still in progress. From August 2013, the running test is being carried out at Yamanashi Maglev Test Line which extended to 42.8 km.

Based on these developments, RTRI has been conducting research and development with the theme aiming at further reliability improvement and cost reduction such as high-temperature superconducting magnet and ground coil maintenance technology as basic technology development on superconducting maglev. In addition, RTRI is now developing Superconducting feeder system, Superconducting magnetic energy storage, Linear-Motor-Type Rail Brake , Non-contact Power Supply System technology.

Masaru Tomita - Director, Maglev Systems Technology Division

Laboratories and their field

Electromagnetic Systems

Research and development of technology for the superconducting Maglev system including ground coils and vehicle dynamics, and applications for conventional railway systems such as non-contact power supply systems.

Cryogenic Systems

Research and development of technology for the superconducting Maglev system such as superconducting magnets and their refrigeration systems, and applications for conventional railway systems such as air conditioning systems.

Applied Superconductivity

Research and development of technology for the superconductivity application equipment such as superconducting feeder system and superconducting magnetic energy storage. Also, making new materials such as REBCO or MgB2 and so on, and evaluations of physicality to improve superconducting characteristics of high-temperature superconducting materials.