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Maglev Cobra edit
The Cobra is a Maglev levitation train developed at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) by Coppe (Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering) and Polytechnic School by LASUP (Laboratory for Applications of Superconductors). This veicle as well as the German maglev floats on the rails, with no friction over the ground. The Maglev Cobra is based on superconductor levitation, moving with a primary short motor system. The vehicle was designed aiming at a revolution in transportation through high technology, non-polluting, energy-efficient and affordable for large urban centers.
The cost of deploying Maglev Cobra is significantly lower than the subway, getting to cost only one third of this. Its normal operation will occur within a range of 70 to 100km / h, compatible to the subway and ideal for urban public transportation.
Nowadays, a great part of the world population lives in big cities. Therefore, non-polluting, environmental friendly, energetically efficient public transportation is a social, technical, political and economic priority.
Subways are still considered a paradigm. Nevertheless, underground construction costs in the order of US$ 100M/km turn this option extremely expensive and time consuming. Maglev Cobra technology offers a quicker solution by at least 1/3 of the price.
The suspension is based on the levitation properties of high temperature superconductors (YBCO) in the presence of NdFeB magnets, developed at the end of last century.
The propulsion is given by a linear motor.
Being electrically driven and completely independent of friction, wheels, rails and trucks, this medium speed (<70km/h) vehicle offers the following advantages, when compared with conventional LRV (Light Rail Vehicles) or Metros:
- Silent
- Non-polluting
- Lighter
- Operational radius of 30m
- Operational ramps of 15%
- Lower construction, maintenance and operational costs
Until today, there is no such vehicle in commercial operation. The originality offers an opportunity of technological investment.
Small-scale prototypes have been developed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil, and at the Leibniz Institut (IFW), Dresden, Germany.
Presently, a joint project between these institutions aims the construction of a real scale system in two steps, with prevision to launch the operation in 2010.
The 280 meters test line will be applied inside a university campus.
External links edit