One main approach is Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS). In EMS, ordinary electromagnets are mounted at the ends of a pair of structures under the train. The structures wrap around and are under both sides of the guideway. Iron rails in the guideway attract the magnets upwards, lifting the train. However, this method has an unstable design. To counter the train's instability, the distance between the electromagnets and the guideway must always be monitored to keep the train from hitting the guideway.
Another method is Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS). This approach uses opposing forces between the superconducting magnets on the vehicle and electrically conductive strips or coils in the guideway to lift the trains. Unlike EMS, EDS is inherently stable, and doesn't need constant monitoring and adjusting. The cushion between the train and the guideway is also relatively large- usually 100-150 mm- compared to the 10 mm cushion in EMS. The downside of EDS is cost. Its needed superconducting magnets are more expensive than conventional electromagnets, and need a refrigeration system in the train to keep them cool enough to work properly.
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