
Force Engineering Linear Motors power the Washington D.C. Senate Subway people mover system.
The system connects the U.S. Capitol building with the Dirksen and Hart Senate buildings. The route is a double track loop of 945m (3,100ft). It accommodates up to four three-car trains at speeds up to 14mph. Each train weighs an estimated 4,100kg (9,000lbs) with a passenger capacity of up to 2,700kg (6,000lbs), giving a maximum weight of 6,800kg (15,000lbs).
In 1993 506 LIMs designed by Force Engineering were mounted in the track at intervals of 1.5-3 metres (4.5-9 ft). The steel-backed aluminium reaction plates are mounted underneath the passive vehicles.
Vehicle sensors and control equipment were fitted in each LIM junction box. All LIMs are connected to the same inverter driven bus bar system. As the vehicles accelerate and brake the frequency and voltage fed to the bus is varied by the main computer to ensure optimum performance.
