NEXO Low Energy Rail Vehicle

Introduction

What if you could have a train that could run without the provision of any external energy? This may seem impossible, as it violates the laws of thermodynamics, however, I believe that there is a loophole. Essentially, the laws of thermodynamics recognize magnetic forces as a form of energy, yet practically, a magnet with a fixed polarity (not an electromagnet) can output a magnetic force without any energy being put into it. Therefore, if you were to make a train that was powered only by fixed polarity magnets, it would be able to run without any external power, while also not violating the laws of physics.

Primary Propulsion

Then you have the question of how do you build a train that runs on fixed polarity magnets? Let's start by discussing a concept of mine called Trackside Fixed Magnetic Propulsion, or TFMP. The primary idea of TFMP is that you have high power magnets situated along either side of a track. The magnets are pointed at the track at a slight angle, and all sides of the magnet but the side facing the track are shielded, greatly reducing the magnetic force of those sides. The train has magnets attached to it as well, and as the train passes by the trackside magnets, the magnetic fields interact, propelling the train along the trackway.

Basic Diagram of TFMP system, many features

not described here are left out for simplicity

Starting / Stopping

Assuming that there are stations that you want to serve, you need to be able to start and stop the train. I have created a solution that would allow trains to slow down to, and accelerate from, a standstill. The system has two parts, firstly, the train would have electric traction motors with regenerative dynamic braking capabilities attached to some axles, just like you would see on many modern trains and locomotives. As the train is approaching the station, the dynamic brake slows the train down to around 10 mph, while the electricity generated would be sent to a capacitor onboard the train. Built into the station itself, there would be a pair of pistons that the train would use to slow down in the last few meters. As the pistons are pushed by the train the pressure inside the chamber would increase due to the equation PV=k, which states that pressure and volume are inversely related. Once the pistons are fully depressed, a lock would secure the piston in the depressed position as the train dwells in the station. Once the train is ready to depart, the pistons would release and push the train out of the station. Then the traction motors, powered by the electricity in the capacitor, would accelerate the train further for about 20 seconds, until the train reaches the first magnetic zone and magnetic power can take over.

Basic diagram of braking systems

Final Thoughts

I am not a trained engineer; at the time of writing this is was just a sophomore in high school who has an interest in transportation engineering. There may be many things that are wrong, and some concepts that I may not have fully understood, so I apologize if there are things that are unclear / incorrect. I also don't think that there is much demand for a project like this. Modern trains are already extremely efficient, especially when compared to other forms of transportation, and we should focus on improving existing infrastructure rather than creating entirely new designs. This was just a project that I did for fun on my own time. Currently, I am extremely busy with school and rowing, but in the future, I hope to add more detailed and higher quality schematics.