Master the core technology!

This is a photo of a commercial maglev 3.0 version train undergoing dynamic debugging, taken on June 21, 2021. (Photo from Xinhua News Agency)

On March 10, the reporter learned from CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd. that the first commercial maglev 3.0 version train developed by the company, with my country's completely independent intellectual property rights, has completed relevant dynamic tests and system joint debugging and testing on the high-speed maglev test line of Tongji University. This indicates that my country has mastered the key core technology of medium-speed maglev, and maglev technology innovation and industrial development continue to be at the forefront of the world.

From the commercial maglev 1.0 version with a speed of 100 kilometers per hour to the commercial maglev 3.0 version with a design speed of 200 kilometers per hour, China's independent maglev technology has undergone several updates and iterations in the past decade. What are the technical highlights of the 3.0 version of the maglev train? What are the application scenarios of each generation of maglev trains? The reporter went to the CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. Maglev Research Institute to find out.

With red as the main color and a golden "Chinese dragon" painted on it, the Commercial Maglev 3.0 train is very simple and elegant. When the reporter walked into the carriage, he found that the 3.7-meter width can accommodate a row of six seats, and the passenger capacity has been greatly improved compared with the previous generation of maglev trains. In terms of technology, the Commercial Maglev 3.0 train has many highlights.

Highlight 1

“Land flight” is faster

Compared with the commercial maglev 1.0 version train, the design speed of the 3.0 version train has doubled, and the speed increase is due to the further lightweighting of the train.

The traction motor is called the "heart" of the train, but the "heart" of the commercial maglev 3.0 version train has been moved from the bottom of the car body to the ground, breaking the limitation of installing traditional rail transit traction equipment on the train. According to Zhang Wenyue, deputy director of the Maglev Research Institute of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., after the train is lightweight, the acceleration and deceleration and average travel speed can be greatly expanded. Compared with the commercial maglev 2.0 version train, its traction efficiency is increased by 20%, the climbing ability is increased by 30%, and the acceleration time is shortened by more than 50%.

Highlight 2

Autonomous driving is smarter

This is the interior of the cab of the commercial maglev 3.0 version train photographed on March 6. (Photo from Xinhua News Agency)

Entering the train cab, Zhang Wenyue introduced the control systems behind the various instrument panels. "The 'ears and eyes' of the commercial maglev 3.0 version of the train are 5G high-frequency millimeter wave wireless communication technology, which has good interference resistance and fast transmission efficiency." Zhang Wenyue said that the train is controlled by the ground operation control system, and technologies such as online status monitoring and big data analysis can realize self-prediction and self-diagnosis of multiple system faults such as vehicles, tracks, power supply, and operation control, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of fully automatic driving.

Highlight 3

Noise reduction, wind resistance and more comfortable

Unlike the contact current collection used in the previous 1.0 and 2.0 versions of trains, the commercial maglev 3.0 version of the train uses on-board linear motor induction power supply, which can transmit induction power wirelessly at low speeds and stationary, completely eliminating the resistance and noise of current collection, achieving completely contactless current collection and improving ride comfort.

Based on the track-holding operation technology, the commercial maglev 3.0 version train is equipped with an active guidance control system with adaptive function. Compared with the 2.0 version train, its curve negotiating speed is increased by more than 15%, and its ability to resist side winds is improved by at least 2 levels. The train has stronger adaptability and higher safety factor when operating in harsh environments.

The maglev transportation system has the advantages of low noise, low vibration, strong climbing ability, small turning radius, etc. At present, maglev trains have been put into operation in some cities in my country.

This is the Changsha Maglev Express, which opened in 2016 and runs the commercial Maglev 1.0 version train. (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)

On the Changsha Maglev Express in Hunan, the commercial maglev 1.0 version train has been operating safely for more than five years, carrying more than 15 million passengers.

In Fenghuang County, Hunan Province, the maglev sightseeing express line equipped with commercial maglev 1.0 version trains has begun trial operation. The line connects the Zhangjiajie-Jishou-Huaihua high-speed railways and is my country's first maglev cultural tourism project.

What is the application prospect of the commercial maglev 3.0 train? Yang Ying, chief scientist of CRRC, told reporters that the train transportation technology has now reached the stage of engineering and commercialization, and is suitable for intercity and urban lines of 50 to 200 kilometers, with advantages such as small land occupation and flexible line selection.

On March 6, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. staff checked the status of the commercial maglev 3.0 version train. (Photo from Xinhua News Agency)

"At present, my country is accelerating the construction of urban agglomerations and urban rail transit. The commercial maglev 3.0 train can provide another option for inter-city and urban transportation." Yang Ying said, "In the future, through technical upgrades such as improved air tightness, further optimization of aerodynamic shape, and increased ground traction power, the commercial maglev 3.0 train can also meet the needs of high-speed operation."

Zhou Qinghe, Party Secretary and Chairman of CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd., said that at present, my country has mastered the system integration technology and key core technologies of commercial maglev trains, has different types of maglev train development platforms, and has cultivated the entire industrial chain of maglev transportation systems. The level of maglev technology and industrial development remain at the forefront of the world.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Reporter: Liu Fangzhou, Hong Ling, Yao Yu

Producer: Mou Yanqiu Chen Jingchun

Editor: Dong Jingxue

Proofreading: Liu Yiran