Title: A programme for individual sustainable mobility

Authors: Craig H. Stephan, John M. Miller, L. Craig Davis

Addresses: Ford Research & Advanced Engineering, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA. ' Ford Research & Advanced Engineering, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA. ' Physics Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1120, USA

Abstract: We describe a concept for an automated highway system that is based upon narrow, energy-efficient two-passenger tandem vehicles which are capable of travelling at high speed (150 kph) while on dedicated guideways and can function as conventional vehicles on existing roads. The guideways are similarly narrow and lightweight, reducing construction costs and easing their placement in urban environments. In the first phase of operation, vehicles will be powered conventionally, though possibly accelerated to high speed at guideway entrances by linear induction motors. In later phases, they will be able to obtain power while on the guideway through inductive coupling. Under such conditions, energy efficiency while on the guideway is estimated to exceed that of conventional public transportation systems on a passenger-km basis. Reduction of traffic congestion and improved safety are additional benefits.

Keywords: automated highway system; distributed power supply; dual mode; Halbach array; inductive power transfer; intelligent vehicle; LIM; linear induction motors; power circulation; segmented power distribution; tandem vehicles; dedicated guideways; energy efficiency; traffic congestion; safety; individual sustainable mobility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVAS.2004.006098

International Journal of Vehicle Autonomous Systems, 2004 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.255 - 277

Published online: 04 Feb 2005 *

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