Maglev-Derived Systems for Rail

Project Information

MaDe4Rail

Grant agreement ID: 101121851

DOI

10.3030/101121851

Project closed

EC signature date 30 June 2023

Start date 1 July 2023

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 499 328,12

Coordinated by

RETE FERROVIARIA ITALIANA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MaDe4Rail (Maglev-Derived Systems for Rail)

Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The MaDe4Rail project addresses a critical challenge in Europe’s railway sector: enhancing rail system performance without extensive infrastructure changes. For both freight and passenger sectors, the project explores integrating linear motors and magnetic/air levitation, used as propulsion and guidance systems, within existing rail networks to ensure seamless integration, cost-efficiency, and scalability. These systems are evaluated for safety, performance, and technical/economic feasibility. Maglev-Derived Systems (MDS) vehicles are designed to operate alongside conventional trains, preserving the “network effect” while providing electrification and automation in operations on lines and terminals, as well as increasing speed, capacity, and flexibility in transport services. Upgrading existing rail corridors with advanced technology offers substantial cost and time savings compared to new infrastructure developments. The minimal modifications required for MDS achieve speed and capacity gains that enhance public transport appeal, supporting higher modal shares and sustainability.
Given these anticipated benefits, a roadmap for the development and implementation of MDS in the European rail network has been established, following a stepwise approach toward commercially ready systems for both freight and passenger services. The systems analysed within the project show high potential to impact key European Union objectives, such as the new Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulations, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and the European commitment to decarbonization.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project adopted a phased approach to evaluate the feasibility of integrating MDS into the European railway network. This process began with a comprehensive benchmarking phase, assessing existing, discontinued, and emerging Maglev and MDS technologies to identify those compatible with current railway infrastructure. This led to the development of a unified system architecture aligned with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI).
A risk analysis was performed to evaluate hazards and risks associated with various MDS configurations, alongside a gap analysis to pinpoint required updates to current standards and regulations, or the need for new ones to facilitate MDS implementation. Additionally, the project investigated potential interactions between MDS and the EU Rail’s System Pillar, identifying synergies with other initiatives within the Innovation Pillar to leverage key advancements in railway systems for MDS development.
In alignment with market needs and technology readiness levels (TRL), potential MDS applications and use cases were identified, with in-depth technical and financial assessments, including Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBA), performed for the most promising ones.
Based on the functional, operational, and commercial requirements of various MDS configurations, the project also developed concepts for MDS vehicles and a high-level prototype design. This includes interfaces with infrastructure subsystems, such as switches, power supply, and traffic management systems, all of which were analysed comprehensively to support further technology development and scalability.
Finally, a roadmap was established to guide the future development of MDS technologies up to commercialization, with a focus on overcoming key technical challenges to ensure full interoperability with existing rail systems.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

MaDe4Rail is a pioneering initiative bringing together the railway sector, technology industry, and academia to shape a unified European approach for integrating Maglev technologies into existing railways. Key outcomes with significant impacts have been produced, reported in accessible deliverables agreed upon partners that will serve as basis for informed decision-making.
Critical aspects of MDS deployment have been identified, including configurations, applications and potential benefits. The project also addressed key Technical Open Points (TOPs) – specific technical aspects that need to be further evaluated for MDS seamless integration – and Technical Enablers (TEs) – technologies under development in other contexts of EU-Rail’s Innovation Pillar – emphasizing the importance of alignment with the System Pillar, which will support the smooth integration of MDS as they mature. The conducted hazard and risk assessment and review of European standards identified gaps and regulatory updates needed for MDS deployment.
A comprehensive technical evaluation and a systemic high-level design for both vehicle and infrastructure components are given, using a technology-agnostic approach. Starting from detailed requirements and constraints, the project established a standardized reference architecture to ensure compatibility with the TSI. Adhering to this architecture, a prototype design of a MDS vehicle was produced, responding to the specific needs of a formulated use case. The design addressed possible solutions to TOPs for both vehicle and infrastructure to resolve integration issues that need to be addressed with higher detail in future R&I activities.
The project presents the first European collaborative analysis with stakeholders, producing a shared, holistic assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of MDS technologies. This analysis was performed on use cases across different locations, configurations and TRLs, offering valuable insights to guide future decision-making on the viability of MDS in Europe.
MaDe4Rail developed a strategic industrial roadmap addressing the identified TOPs and TEs, along with a phased implementation strategy tailored to both freight and passenger transport. This sets forth a cohesive vision for modernizing and expanding European rail transport, embodying a commitment to interoperability and innovation over the long term to support stakeholder decision-making process.
The industrial roadmap established a stepwise approach to technology development, requiring resources for advanced research and innovation, system modelling, simulation, and component testing in relevant environments, aiming to produce a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) demonstrator, marking a crucial milestone toward achieving commercial maturity for MDS solutions.