Why The AVT?

We must add an automatic component to the highways because it is the only way to get enough capacity at a price we can afford that people will use and that will reduce accidents, travel time, energy consumption, air pollution and noise pollution. The car must be transported on a train because trains have the amenities that will attract drivers off the freeways, i.e. bathrooms, TV, food, privacy. The train cannot stop -- it must be continuous like the freeway. The only way to load/unload a moving train is with a shuttle.

Solar Power

The top of each AVT Transporter is covered with about 300 square feet of Photovoltaic Solar Cells, which will generate about 3000 watts of electric power per AVT Transporter, more than enough power to move the AVT Train at 80 MPH.

What is DualMode?

DualMode transportation concepts feature vehicles that can be driven on conventional streets and can also operate on a high speed automated guideway under computer control. Both passenger and freight vehicles are envisioned. In some systems, vehicles are carried on pallets; on others pallets are not required.

DualMode was a hot topic in the 1970's and the federal government funded several research and development projects that culminated in a national conference on the idea in 1974. Unfortunately, government funding of DualMode technology failed to materialize and progress has been slow, supported by small private investors. However, conventional transportation solutions are failing to keep pace with the increasing demand for lane capacity. As a result, it is now clear that DualMode is the only practical solution to highway traffic congestion.

A comprehensive collection of information about DualMode Technology can be found at: http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans

What is Magnetic Levitation Technology (Maglev)?

Magnetic Levitation technology is as simple as it sounds. Magnets are placed in various configurations to levitate objects by using magnetic attractive and/or repulsive forces.

There have been many types of magnetic levitation systems developed over the past 20 years such as those in Germany and China. Though these systems work, they employ expensive technology that was developed 20 years ago.

More recently developed Permanent Rare Earth magnet technology is much less expensive and simpler because levitation is achieved without requiring external power and complex electronics. Many of the patents on Rare Earth Magnets expire in 2003, reducing the cost of rare earth magnets dramatically. Additionally, Permanent Rare Earth magnets require practically no maintenance and retain their strength for up to forty years at which time they can be easily recharged.

Examples of Maglev technology based on permanant magnets can be found at:
www.magsupport.com and www.magna-force.com.

What are Linear Electric Motors?

Linear Electric Motors employ the same electrical and magnetic principles as rotating electric motors but they have no moving parts. They are very powerful and are used to provide rapid acceleration for amusement rides and are being considered as a means to launch aircraft from aircraft carriers.

Linear Motors are normally used to provide propulsion for Maglev trains because the trains do not touch the tracks. In the AVT design, powerful Linear Motors in the guideway accelerate the train while smaller linear motors in the train and shuttle maintain speed.

Linear Motors have no moving parts such as gears, drive shafts, and reducers, which require regular service. Lack of moving parts reduces the need for regular maintenance and emergency repairs.

Linear Motors are non-polluting in two very important ways. First, they do not create air pollution as petroleum-powered motors. Second, they are quiet, thereby creating no noise pollution.

Examples of linear Motor Technology can be found at:
www.force.co.uk.

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