Welcome to the age of frictionless mobility.

Project Information

Magrail

Grant agreement ID: 190137459

DOI

10.3030/190137459

Project closed

EC signature date 17 November 2022

Start date 1 December 2022

End date 31 October 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 9 812 301,18

EU contribution

€ 2 499 999,00

Coordinated by

NEVOMO POLAND SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Magrail (Welcome to the age of frictionless mobility.)

Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-02-29

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, the European Green Deal sets a target of 90% transport emissions reductions by 2050. This forces a massive overhaul of the European transportation landscape, including decarbonization of the transport modes and modal shifts towards those with lower environmental impact. The obvious direction of these changes is towards railways as they are the least polluting mode; it is of key importance that railways can regain their competitive advantages and business viability.
The MagRail project emerges as a pioneering solution, aimed at revolutionizing the European rail system. By harnessing the power of efficient linear motor propulsion (MagRail Booster) and magnetic levitation technology (MagRail), MagRail proposes a novel interoperability concept. This allows both magnetic and conventional trains to share the same tracks, facilitating a smoother and more gradual transition towards modern and fully digitized technologies without necessitating immediate, large-scale infrastructural investments.
The primary objective of the MagRail project is to address and surmount the aforementioned challenges, setting a new course for the rail industry towards sustainability, increased efficiency, and enhanced flexibility. The initiative is designed not only to contribute significantly to achieving the European Green Deal's emission reduction targets but also to revitalize the rail industry, making rail transport a more appealing, reliable, and sustainable option for the future.
In doing so, the project aligns with the broader EU political and strategic framework, aiming to deliver substantial environmental benefits, promote economic growth through improved transportation efficiency, and enhance societal well-being by offering faster, cleaner, and more accessible travel options for both passengers and freight.

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 work performed in the MagRail project has been structured around 3 main activities so far: modernization of existing railway tracks (for the test facility), adaptation of conventional railway vehicles, and development and testing of magnetic infrastructure components.
Existing Track Modernization: A cornerstone of the project has been the redesign and modernization of current railway infrastructure to accommodate the novel MagRail Booster technology. This included the development of an advanced railway track system capable of supporting the magnetic rail technology. The project successfully designed a track system that can be integrated into existing rail networks, encompassing straight sections, curves, and turnouts, thus significantly expanding the testing and implementation capabilities of the MagRail and MagRail Booster system.
Conventional Vehicle Adaptation/Retrofit: A significant achievement within the project was the adaptation of two conventional railway vehicles to be compatible with the MagRail Booster system. Through collaboration with industry partners, the project successfully navigated the complex process of vehicle adaptation, including the integration of essential components such as the linear motor, sensors, communication devices, and control hardware.
Magnetic Infrastructure Components Development: The project undertook extensive design and manufacturing efforts to develop the critical magnetic infrastructure components required for the MagRail Booster system. This included the successful testing of a MagRail Booster vehicle equipped with a linear motor, which demonstrated the system's reliability and safety on our test track.

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)

The MagRail project has set a new benchmark in railway technology by introducing an innovative system that combines the efficiency of magnetic technologies with the practicality of existing rail infrastructure. This groundbreaking approach significantly reduces environmental impact, marking a leap beyond current technological capabilities.
Economic Impact: MagRail's implementation has the potential to increase its capacity and operational efficiency in railway sector. This enhancement will make rail transport a much more attractive option, shifting a substantial portion of traffic from road and air to rail.Additionally the project's focus on upgrading existing infrastructure minimizes the need for costly new constructions, offering a cost-effective solution to modernize and expand rail networks.
Societal and Environmental Impact: MagRail is poised to significantly impact societal mobility patterns, offering a viable, sustainable alternative to car and airplane travel. The reduced emissions from shifting to rail align with global efforts to combat climate change, directly contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
For MagRail to achieve its full potential, further research and demonstration projects are essential to refine the technology and prove its value in various operational scenarios. Access to markets and finance is critical for large-scale implementation, requiring collaboration between governments, private investors, and international bodies. Additionally, support for commercialization, including IPR protection, and efforts to foster international standardization, will be crucial in ensuring the technology's widespread adoption and success.