Japan WIG train - Ground Effect Train

New "Flying Train" prototype: Apart from aerodynamic drag, trains usually suffer from mechanical resistance in their drive system as well as rolling resistance from the wheels on the track. Researchers at the Kohama Laboratory, Institute of Fluid Science at the Tohoku University in Japan (link) tried to lower overall resistance by adapting another aspect of aerodynamics on its Aero-Train concept. Using the aerodynamic wing-in-ground (WIG) effect, the Aero-Train is able to fly above the track at a height of 10 centimetres (4 in).
The WIG effect occurs when flying very close to the surface. Cruising at its maximum speed of 500 kilometres per hour (310 mph), the aerodynamic lifting force becomes extremely large with a much smaller drag force.
Solar panels are placed on the guide-way's roof, while wind generators are placed alongside in those places where wind energy is generally available. The generated electricity can be fed to the train directly or stored in its on-board batteries. The researchers expect the system to generate much more energy than is consumed by the Aero-Train, thereby making it double as an electric power plant.
The next stage in the development is to build a larger Aero-Train prototype with room for six passengers and a maximum operating speed of 350 kilometres per hour (217 mph). The final, full-scale Aero-Train, with a length of 85 metres (279 ft) and seating capacity for 325 passengers, is aimed to begin service in 2020.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
DRIVE SYSTEM -- Ducted electric fans + WIG-effect
MAXIMUM SPEED -- 500 km/h (310 mph)
LENGTH -- 85 m (279 ft)
WIDTH -- 12 m (40 ft)
WEIGHT -- 70 tons (154,300 lbs)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• aero-train

[popuptoaster]

@sven416 No it doesn't say anything of the sort, the energy comes from the wind and sun and is fed to the train and into the grid. Its the sun and wind providing the power, theres nothing perpetual motion about it.

A light shining on a solar panel that was powering the light would be perpertual motion, this is an independant power source powering a train, the same way a solar panel or windmill powers your PC or kettle if its plugged into your home.

[gerico123454]

one massive problem i understand the ider there is less drag but what about a hova train =/? no drag from the tracks allready exists u get drag from air but so does this allso sorry for my spelling i have to say that so somone doesent have a nut at me -.- for not being able to spell

[sven416]

"Solar panels are placed on the guide-way's roof, while wind generators are placed alongside in those places where wind energy is generally available. The generated electricity can be fed to the train directly or stored in its on-board batteries"

This seems to suggest the train is an over-unity device or "Perpetual Motion" device. It cant move forward to power itself and there will be some losses in the system; a bit nitpicy as it's not really saying that but certainly misleading.

[neyron74]

System Y

[Dronoman]

проблема граунд эффекта в том что при потере стабильности днища эффект полностью пропадает

нужен стабильный дорожный просвет

[takertown]

are there seatbelts on this train? lol.

[simoncpu]

Someday, I'll learn how to speak in Japanese... =)

[RocketCentury]

i aactually got this in a article for school