Automated people mover: A comparison between conventional and permanent magnets MAGLEV systems

An automated people mover (APM) is a system used in urban/suburban areas to transport passengers point to point with a high frequency and a reliable service. Although conventional wheel-on-rail/route systems are commonly used in APMs, the application of the magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) technology in this field sounds promising. Since this technology replaces the wheels by electromagnetic systems, there is no contact between the levitating vehicle and the guideway. This implies zero wear, reduced maintenance and virtually no noise and vibrations. Efficiency, lightweight and cheapness represent expected additional benefits. The aim of thisstudy is to show, through a theoretical analysis based on a real APM and on a simulated automated MAGLEV people mover (AMPM), how the low-speed MAGLEV applications can compete with conventional wheel/ rail technology. The levitation and guiding forces in a permanent magnets-based AMPM have been obtained by using an FEM code. Then, a simulation tool, based on Modelica language, has been developed to perform a comparison between a conventional APM and an AMPM, in terms of power and energy requirements engaged in urban routes. Finally, a brief preliminary estimation of costs for the major AMPM subsystems has been presented.