Design and Development of an Electromagnetic Propulsion Train

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 03 | Page : 19 24
    By

    Mr. Tej Prakash Verma,

  • Golu Gupta,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering Bansal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Student, Department of Electrical Engineering Bansal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The recent advancement of new transportation techniques led to the search for methods of propulsion that were superior to classical mechanical systems. Among these new moments, electromagnetic propulsion (EMP) has attracted attention because this technique allows for motion generation via electromagnetic force without using conventional wheel-based friction processing. The paper describes the conceptual design, principle of working and performance evaluation of a prototype model train to be propelled electromagnetically.

The system, as proposed, works through the precise interference between electromagnets and permanent magnets. On passage of a regulated electric current through the electromagnetic coils, a magnetic field is developed that stably operates in conjunction with the permanent magnets provided on the vehicle body or track. This controlled magnetic field interaction then creates propulsion for a seamless forward-motion experience. Due to the propulsion without mechanical contact surfaces, there is a very low friction. This lower friction results in low energy losses, high system efficiency and a much gentler ride than with traditional propulsion systems.

The prototype EMP train designed in this study consists of basic units such as copper coils, high- strength permanent magnets, a driver circuit for current control and the reliable electric power system. The magnet force synchronization is the key feature of the system that ensures constant thrust without doing any harm to load carrying mechanism by saturating magnets or overheating components in opposition to magnet forces. The following parameters were tested initially: Thrust generation, movement stability, power usage and general behavior under dynamic load changes.

The results indicate that EM propulsion is a viable and efficient system for low payload rate motion. The prototype displayed both sustained motion with low dissipation of energy. and enabled improved control over acceleration as well as retardation. These attributes indicate that EMP can be a promising solution for the next generation ground-based transportation systems, particularly in high-speed rail networks and urban transit solutions where less friction, lower maintenance, cleaner operation is essential.

In general, this work demonstrates the feasibility of electromagnetic propulsion. With increased optimization and scale up, EMP systems may have the potential to enable next-generation transportation in environmentally-friendly, high- performance-low-maintenance power for mobility.

Keywords: Permanent Magnet, Linear Motion, Electrodynamics, Propulsion, Traction, Transportation

[This article belongs to Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Mr. Tej Prakash Verma, Golu Gupta. Design and Development of an Electromagnetic Propulsion Train. Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):19-24.
How to cite this URL:
Mr. Tej Prakash Verma, Golu Gupta. Design and Development of an Electromagnetic Propulsion Train. Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology. 2025; 15(03):19-24. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/tmet/article=2025/view=234073


References

1. Gieras, J. F., Piech, Z. J., & Tomczuk, B., Linear Synchronous Motors, CRC Press.
2. Boldea, I., Linear Electric Machines, Drives, and MAGLEVs, CRC Press.
3. Nasar, S. A., Electric Machines and Power Systems, McGraw-Hill.
4. Larminie, J., & Lowry, J., Electric Vehicle Technology Explained, Wiley Publications.
5. Hansen, J., Electromagnetic Propulsion Systems, Springer.
6. Pippard, A. B., Elements of Classical Electrodynamics, Cambridge University Press.
7. Fitzgerald, A. E., Kingsley, C., & Umans, S. D., Electric Machinery, McGraw-Hill.
8. Chapman, S. J., Electric Machinery Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill.
9. Krause, P. C., Analysis of Electric Machinery and Drive Systems, IEEE Press.
10. Yamamura, S., Theory of Linear Induction Motors, Wiley.
11. Halbach, K., “Design of Permanent Magnet Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics.
12. Leonhard, W., Control of Electrical Drives, Springer.
13. Mohan, N., Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design, Wiley.
14. Rashid, M. H., Power Electronics Handbook, Elsevier.
15. Sen, P. C., Principles of Electric Machines and Power Electronics, Wiley.
16. Dorf, R. C., & Bishop, R. H., Modern Control Systems, Pearson Education.
17. Ogata, K., Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall.
18. Kittel, C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley.
19. Sinha, P. K., Electromagnetic Fields and Waves, McGraw-Hill.
20. Sadiku, M. N. O., Elements of Electromagnetics, Oxford University Press.
21. Hayt, W. H., & Buck, J. A., Engineering Electromagnetics, McGraw-Hill.
22. IEEE research journals on linear motors and electromagnetic propulsion systems.
23. Proceedings of international conferences on electrical transportation systems.
24. Research papers published in IEEE Xplore on electromagnetic drive technology.
25. Technical reports on linear motor propulsion for railway systems.
26. International studies on high-speed rail propulsion technologies.
27. Government publications on electric and smart transportation infrastructure.
28. Academic theses on electromagnetic propulsion-based train models.
29. Review articles on future transportation propulsion systems.
30. Manufacturer datasheets and application manuals on linear motors and magnetic materials.

Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 03
Received 01/12/2025
Accepted 05/12/2025
Published 14/12/2025
Publication Time 13 Days
109

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics