Would it be a good idea to power electric trains the way the Finding Nemo ride is?

Question

Would it be a good idea to power electric trains the way the Finding Nemo ride is? Instead of having unsightly and unreliable overhead powerlines (catenaries) and instead of having a dangerous their rail, couldn't an electric train receive the electricity wirelessly from something hidden between the tracks out of sight and out of reach? It seems to me that if electric trains are going to be built in cities at ground level an alternative would be used by now.

Answer 1

Ther nearest thing to that is maglev, which works on the same principle as an electric motor, except that the train is the armature (moving part) and the track is the magnet.

Ideal for transporting passengers at high speed between e.g. a city centre and an outlying airport, but not much good for longer distance journeys, which still use more conventional set-up.

Answer 2

Nothing has been found that is safe and effective yet.

There are some "3rd rail" systems used, most especially on underground and subway lines,

Overhead lines are safer, far more reliable, and more cost effective.

No one has yet found a way to "beam" power.

if you really truly find somethign that works it would make you a rich person.

I agree overhead lines are not very attrractive but considering the alternatives, nothing out there is any better.

Answer 3

Any induction method like that wastes a lot of power, and the longer it is, the more power it wastes. That's ok for an amusement park, but not for a 1000 mile length of track.

Answer 4

"Beaming" the necesary power through the air actually *IS* dangerous. Think of your microwave oven, just without a door...