ORALS

Superconducting magnetic levitation is passively stable without any electronic control except with attracting and repelling forces to suspend a vehicle pendant or standing upright. Due to this intrinsic stability, the levitation itself does not consume any energy. These are perfect conditions for a rail-bound system like Hyperloop. Individual transport with cabins for 4 to 5 passengers is requested call by call. They will levitate without noise over a track made of rare-earth permanent magnets, saving energy and travel time. A big step forward in this vision has been made in Dresden. The world’s largest research and test facility for transport systems using bulk high-temperature superconducting material in the levitation and guidance system, in combination with a permanent magnet track, was put into operation. A vehicle for 2 passengers, equipped with linear drive propulsion, noncontact energy supply, second braking system, and various test and measurement systems runs on an 80 m long oval driveway. In the presentation, the principle of superconducting levitation by flux pinning in bulk high-temperature superconductors will be described. Based on this, an overview of the SupraTrans II research facility and future directions of superconductivity-based magnetic levitation and bearing for automation technology, transportation, and medical treatment under enhanced gravity will be given. Also, the physics behind the "Back to the Future II " superconducting hoverboard, recently presented by Lexus, will be described.

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