FREIGHT
The rapid rise in fuel prices globally has affected the freight industry at all levels, making it increasingly difficult for companies to deliver their product. It is apparent that there is a real need to move away from internal combustion engines, over to a cleaner and more sustainable option.
Again Linear Motors will offer a formidable solution to this issue. LSMs can be applied to a variety of freight applications. For example, they are particularly useful within the mining industry as mine hoists, where they can be used to continually transport raw materials from underground to a nearby desired location - a far better method than the traditional minecart.
However, there are also opportunities to avoid uprooting all existing infrastructure by retrofitting LIMs into roads and within railways. With the installation of aluminium reaction plates beneath vehicles, this technology can be used along with existing transport infrastructure to help improve the environment and reduce on fuel expenses.
LINEAR RAIL CONVERSION
An Engineering Firm called Magnetic Transport Systems is currently undergoing a project, integrating LSMs into existing rail links, with the particular goal of developing a freight transport system which has zero emission costs.
The system envisioned for the project is a long stator linear synchronous motor configuration; one where the vehicle is dumb, containing no propulsion system or electronics.
There is a small 7” by 24” concrete box that mounts on the railroad cross ties that houses the induction windings which consists simply of an iron core with several metal windings wrapped around it. The box housing the windings can be made of plastic or even encased in concrete. Permanent magnets are then attached to the freight train, or even a helper car, which causes the vessel to move.
