Mag-transit - Development at Boeing

Mag transit is a unique combination of magnetic levitation and propulsion for people mover applications. Linear electric motors are used for levitation, propulsion, braking, guidance and suspension. Since there are a minimum of moving parts there is a potential for a substantial increase in system reliability and availability as compared to conventional systems. Modern solid state technology provides the capability to condition sufficient quantities of electrical energy to control motor excitation, and thereby levitation, within a closed loop servo system. Real time measurements of air gaps and vehicle accelerations are used to compute the desired levitation force. In addition the solid state electronics provides the ability to independently control the speed of the vehicle by a continuously variable excitation frequency to the motors.