The first stage of construction of what is billed as the longest passive magnetic levitation test track in Europe has been completed by Nevomo, a developer of hyperloop-inspired MagRail technology.
The test track, which is being constructed in the eastern part of Poland, measures 765 yards in length and will allow speeds of up to 99.5 mph. The track will be used to test magnetic levitation, vehicle and infrastructure operation, power system operation and vehicle-infrastructure cooperation.
“At the beginning of March, we began installing the equipment necessary for magnetic levitation — a linear motor between the rails, a levitation-stabilizing raceway on the outer rail area, and a power supply system,” said Lukasz Mielczarek, head of infrastructure and co-founder of Nevomo. “In the meantime, we are also assembling a prototype of the vehicle we want to levitate. We plan to start full testing as early as this summer.”
After testing, Nevomo said it plans to begin pilot projects on the test track with its partner Rete Ferroviaria Italiana.
What is MagRail technology?
Magnetic rail technology (MagRail) is designed to significantly increase the efficiency of existing rail infrastructure. The solution is applicable for both magnetic vehicles and conventional trains and it is possible for both vehicles to operate on the same lines without making any changes to the existing rolling stock.
Due to the linear electric propulsion, advanced automation and magnetic levitation, rail vehicles could potentially run-on existing railway tracks at speeds up to 342 mph.
MagRail also offers fully automated, increased frequency, catenary-free and human-error free operation. Because of this, MagRail technology could potentially increase the capacity of railway lines and reduce maintenance costs by about 20% to 30%.
