Dabawenyo inventor proposes maglev monorail

DAVAO CITY- A Dabawenyo inventor is proposing an elevated and subway maglev monorail system for Davao City.

Jose Guardo Jr. currently owns the patent for a spin induced magnetic levitation (maglev) monorail, which he hopes the city would consider for its planned city wide light rail transit system.

Maglev trains relies on magnets for lift and propulsion instead of wheels, which run on the tracks thus lessening friction making it more efficient than wheeled rails. Maintenance costs is also reduced as maglev trains does not cause much wear and tear to monorail tracks as compared to trains.

Currently there are two maglev systems in the world, Japan has Electro Dynamic System which relies on cryogen to power the magnet while Germany has the Electro Magnetic System which needs superconductors, the EMS is used by Shanghai Maglev Train or the Transrapid which is currently the world’s fastest commercial train.

Guardo’s invention relies on a spin-induced magnetic field which is more cost-efficient as it does not need expensive cryogen and superconductors.

The inventor has already a toy model of his maglev train. He has patented the technology in 2005.

An architect by profession, Guardo says that it was a teenage passion that fueled him to research and develop his system of maglev.

Currently the Department of Science and Technology has offered a five-hectare property in Tugbok, Mintal district where the Mindanao Science and Technology Center (MSTC) is located as a testing ground for his commercial prototype.

Guardo intends to build a 50-seater monorail prototype which will run around the DOST property, it will have five stations and is seen as a commercialized prototype of his toy model.

He estimates that the prototype to cost around P300-million. Guardo is being encouraged to tap a Land Bank loan facility to finance its operation.

Guardo says they intend to offer this technology to Davao City which has been planning to build a light rail transit system. During Kapehan sa SM media forum at SM City Davao Guardo and his project engineer Engineer Edward Geguerra presented the proposed maglev monorail system in Davao City which is based on the proposed citywide LRT system.

The proposed three-loop system include the Ecoland loop system, airport loop system which will be a subway type monorail and the downtown loop. (PIA/RG Alama)