Is it possible to use magnets to run a generator?

[Lee]

So I was watching a special on a train in Japan runs on magnets.  If it can move a train could the same technology be used  used to power a generator?

I was thinking through the use of pistons connected to a crank shaft of sorts used to turn a generator.  Possibly generating operating power from solar or wind power to get started.

What are possible problems with this idea?

Do you know of a reason it would not work?

How could we make it work?

Any and all input on this topic will be greatly appreciated as I have little experience.

Thank you,

[nievesoliveras]

Hi!

There is one guy that claims that it is possible at this link:
http://www.overunity.com/index.php?topic=5660.0;topicseen

Jesus

[Lee]

Thank you,

I'll take a look.

[Lee]

Well I just spoke with a professor at the Southwest institute & he seemed to think that baised on the introduction of friction as well as the heat generated compounded by any and all gears that would be involved I would yield less energy than i created. 

Still that video was intreging.

And there are a couple of other technologies to consider that could reduce the friction.

I feel that the only way to know for me, is to build a (probably several) model. 

Anybody got any spare time & want to work with me on this?

[Freezer]

It's possible, but to this date 99.9% of the population couldn't figure out how to make one work.  The mag-lev trains aren't really propelled by magnets.  The magnets provide levitation for friction-less travel.  Problem with magnets is that they repel and attract with the same force in the basic configurations.  It would be easy if we could somehow construct a magnetic shield, but so far we have nothing that can do that.  It either goes right through the material or around it, but is never nullified.  Get some small neodymiums to experiment with and you will see how difficult it is to do.  The best idea I've seen so far with getting work out of magnets is paul sprains spiral design.