Can trains use permanent magnets to be propelled?

[Suekdccia]

TL;DR

Can trains use permanent magnets to be propelled?

Can a train (e.g. like a maglev train) use a set of permanent magnets (not electromagnets) that somehow can be propelled and maintain at least a constant speed with them?

Is this an example of such system: https://www.designboom.com/technolo...-permanent-magnets-southern-china-08-15-2022/

 

[russ_watters]

No, that would be a violation of the first law of thermodynamics. The article is most likely just badly written and the train only uses the permanent magnets for lifting.

 

[DaveC426913]

What russ said.

Levitated, sure; propelled no.

The article is very manipulative. It says "...runs power-free...", and "...takes electricity out of the equation, using only magnets composed of rare-earth metal..."

But the veeerrrry last sentence in the article is a quote by an engineer that says:

"Its most prominent feature is zero-power suspension, which can save at least 31% of the energy normally needed to suspend trains using previous electromagnetic levitation technology,’ "
This is the internet in the 21st century. If it can be staged, faked or Photoshopped, it surely is staged, faked or Photoshopped.

 

[berkeman]

Asked and answered. Thank you all.