Advanced Superconductivity Technology Division

Profile

Advanced Superconductivity Technology Division is composed of three laboratories (Magnetic Levitation, Electromagnetic Systems, and Superconductivity and Cryogenics) and Yamanashi Maglev Test Center. Our division focus on research and development of Maglev and superconductivity.
In the development of superconducting maglev technology, basic running tests using test vehicles had been conducted on the Miyazaki Maglev Test Line (length: about 7 km) until 1996. In 1997, running tests on Yamanashi Maglev Test Line (length: 18.4 km) started in collaboration with JR Central. Now, on the basis of the basic technology development plan approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, running tests have been continued on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line which was extended to 42.8 km in August 2013. We are conducting research on ground coils and vehicle dynamics of Maglev. In addition to the running tests, we are promoting applications to conventional railways such as linear rail brakes and non-contact power supply systems.
In superconducting technology, we are fabricating and evaluating high temperature superconductors. As applications of superconductivity, we are developing superconducting feeder systems and power storage systems aiming at decarbonization.

Introduction

Our division is promoting development of Maglev technology, applications of Maglev technology to conventional railways, and developing fundamental and applied superconducting technology, aiming at technological innovation in the field of railways using superconducting technology.
For development of Maglev technology, we are developing evaluation technology of ground coils, condition monitoring technology in anticipation of the application to business lines, maintenance technology, and dynamics analysis technology of Maglev vehicles.
From the perspective of Maglev technology to conventional railways, we are developing linear rail brake that does not depend on the adhesive force between rails and wheels, and non-contact power supply technology that does not require overhead wires.
In the area of fundamental and applied superconductivity technology, we are developing superconducting wires, superconducting bulk capable of generating high magnetic fields, superconducting feeder cables, and superconducting magnetic storage systems. In terms of superconducting feeder cables, we are conducting application tests connected to the feeder system of the Chuo line, and we are also conducting tests of a long-length (several km) superconducting feeder cable on the Miyazaki test line In addition, we are also developing various refrigerators such as GM, Sterling and Brayton.

Laboratories and their field