Guideway and turnout switch for the SupraTrans project

This paper will deliver insight into technology and physics of the levitation system for the SupraTrans project, a prototype of a superconducting transportation system. The technology used herein bases on the flux pinning in melt-textured bulk YBa₂Cu₃O_7-X (YBCO) that stabilizes the lateral and the vertical position of the vehicle above the magnetic track. A track made from permanent magnets and soft magnetic steel-yokes acting as flux collectors has been designed and its capability is presented. The concept also includes a fast electromagnetic turnout switch to establish a highly branched transportation network.