Electromagnetism and power requirements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the power requirements for an electromagnet with a strength of 1 tesla and a length of 600 km, as well as the energy consumption of a train traveling at 112 km/h. The scope includes theoretical calculations, practical considerations, and implications for train operation using electromagnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the power needed for a 1 tesla electromagnet and the energy consumption of a train at a specific speed.
  • Another participant notes that the power required will depend on various factors, including the weight of the train and friction, indicating that more information is needed.
  • A participant explains that power is the rate of energy flow and suggests that the energy needed will depend on the technology used, mentioning superconducting films as a potentially more economical option.
  • It is mentioned that while theoretically no power is needed to maintain an electromagnet, practical considerations such as overcoming losses and maintaining cryogenic temperatures for superconductors do require power.
  • A participant proposes a model where a train with electromagnets on both sides could run efficiently by energizing only the sections where the train is present, similar to magnetic levitation trains, but notes that initial power from a diesel engine is necessary.
  • Another participant questions the energy sources being used, suggesting that without additional energy sources, the model may be inefficient or unrealistic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the power requirements for maintaining an electromagnet and the feasibility of the proposed train model. There is no consensus on the calculations or the practicality of the ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on various assumptions, such as the weight of the train and the efficiency of energy sources. The discussion also reflects unresolved mathematical steps and the need for more specific information to arrive at concrete conclusions.

Akshay690
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Can anyone please help I want to calculate the power required to make a electromagnet of strength 1 tesla and length 600km.
And how much energy a train consume in traveling per km with speed of 112km/h
 
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Hi there
welcome to PF :smile:

cant help with the first part

Akshay690 said:
And how much energy a train consume in traveling per km with speed of 112km/h

would need to know more info, eg ...
weight of the train, with passengers etc ... since that is going to vary, so is your power requirements
there will be friction to take into accountDave
 
Akshay690 said:
I want to calculate the power required to make a electromagnet of strength 1 tesla and length 600km.
Strictly speaking, power is the rate of energy flow. If you build the magnet very slowly it will require little power, but it will take a very long time.

The energy needed, (equivalent to a monetary cost), will depend on technology. A superconducting film and cooling system may be more economic than thick conductive bars.

The cost of turning the DC current to the electromagnet on will be high, because eddy currents will be induced in nearby conductors. How will you minimise the leakage flux yet still benefit from the magnetic field ?
 
In principal no power is required to maintain an electromagnet.

In practice, power would be required to overcome losses, or to maintain cryogenic temperatures if it is a superconducting electromagnet.

Edit: Baluncore, looks like we were both typing at the same time.:smile:
 
So I am trying to build a train model with a 1 tesla electromagnet on both side of train producing a field between train and if train is 600km with is average length of a train and running at 112km/h then it would produce enough power to run the train and magnetise the electromagnet.
The power can be saved with energizing only section in which train is present as just like in magnetic levitation train.
However initial priming is necessary with diesel engine
 
Average passenger train efficiency I just received from the inquiry of railway department of India
 
Akshay690 said:
However initial priming is necessary with diesel engine
What other sources of energy are being used ?
If there are no other energy sources, then either you are modelling an inefficient diesel, or you are dreaming of an "over-unity" "perpetual motion machine".
 
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