THE HYPERLOOP TRANSPORTATION

The idea of the hyperloop transportation is based on two design premise; The reduction of road wheel friction and the reduction on the drag force on the vehicle due to air resistance. The first design premise is tackled using the principle of magnetic levitation, while the second is resolved by placing the hyperloop vehicle in an evacuated vacuum tube.

The principle of magnetic levitation is that a vehicle can be suspended and propelled on a guidance track made with magnets. The vehicle on top of the track is propelled forward with the aid of a linear induction motor.

The key components of hyperloop transportation are; vacuum tubes, capsules, magnetic levitation track and electric propulsion motor.

The vacuum tube consists of evacuated tubes, typically 3 to 4.5 meters in diameter and is positioned above the ground and along the entire length of the hyperloop network.

The capsules are the vehicles that transport passengers or cargo through the tubes. They are pressurized like the cabins of an aircraft.

The magnetic levitation track uses magnets installed along the track to float and move the capsules through the tubes, reducing friction and thus allowing for high speeds.

The electric propulsion uses a linear induction motor to propel the capsules through the tubes by creating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic track.

The hyperloop transportation system in its operation, a capsule is inserted into the tube through an airlock and accelerated to high speeds using the electric propulsion system, maintaining in transits its stability above the levitated surface. At specific designated stops the capsule is decelerated using regenerative braking which captures some of the kinetic energy and converts it to electricity to be stored in batteries.

The hyperloop transportation offers several advantages over other forms of transportation in the following areas; Hyper loops can travel in excess of 1200kmphr or 750mph. Hyperloops are designed to be energy efficient, using or utilizing solar panels to generate electricity to feed its transportation network. Hyperloops have a lower operating cost compared to other mode of transportation. Hyperloops are shielded from weather condition. Hyper loops are safe, featuring in its design emergency braking systems and collision avoidance technology.

On the other hand their main disadvantages are the high initial cost outlay, the limited flexibility in their routes, land required to operate and many other technical challenges involving maintaining vacuum conditions and managing heat generation at the same time.

The future of the hyper loop transportation system depends on commercialization efforts, public acceptance, government support, integration with other modes of transportation and its potential for use in hazardous environment on earth and space, particularly for transportation on the moon or mars.

However the hyper loop is growing traction and hyper loop projects are currently ongoing in the following countries; Dubai to Abu Dhabi hyperloop, Mumbai to pine hyperloop and Los Angeles to san Francisco hyperloop. Many more projects are being planned for other parts of the world.

 

SOURCES;

• Hyper loop transportation systems: a technical overview by Dr A.G.D Bradley.
• The Hyperloop: A technical Guide by Dr James R. Powel.
• Hyperloop: A new mode of transportation by Dr S.K Singh.
• The future of transportation: Hyperloop and beyond by Dr Anita Sengupta.
• Advances in Hyperloop technology edited by Dr J.M. Alonso.