A Look into Hyperloop
You wake up on a Monday and realize that you slept in. You can still make it to work, but driving would make you late. So instead, you board a capsule and get shot through a vacuum tube at 1200km/h, making it just in time and looking like a boss.
Everybody, this is Hyperloop.
Introduction:
The purpose of this article is to explore the technical aspects of the Hyperloop, while also determining the realism of the project. I will be discussing specs, how it works, the cost of construction, comfort, and when it will be available.
Elon Musk is the CEO of two successful companies and has created many products (What can’t he do?). One of his project ideas is the Hyperloop. Simply put, it is a high-speed train. If you have not heard of it, this video gives a brief introduction to the basic science of the project.
After Elon Musk open-sourced the idea, it grew in popularity. Musk held 3 Hyperloop prototype competitions so far. Other companies (Virgin Hyperloop One and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies) have been formed to work on the project.
Each capsule would hold about 28–40 people, with multiple capsules travelling at once (Musk’s proposal is 840 passengers per hour). Department times between capsules would be adjusted depending on traffic. The cost of construction is meant to be inexpensive, in order to keep ticket prices affordable. Initial estimates ranged from 20–40 million CAD for construction, but the range varies based on location, materials, etc. However, the aim for low costs do not align with projected costs in some commercial proposals, which could cause future complications.
Okay, time for some more science. Hyperloop uses magnetic levitation and low-pressure chambers to (theoretically) achieve incredulous speeds.
Magnetic levitation works by subjecting two magnets of the same pole towards each other. That, in turn, causes them to repel, levitating the top magnet. More specifically, Hyperloop uses a linear induction motor to do so, and it also propels the capsule forwards. The electromagnets on the track under the train are set to create magnetic fields with the same poles as the magnets on the bottom of the train, levitating the capsule. Electromagnets on the side of the track generate alternating currents, propelling the train forwards, similar to Maglev trains.
What separates the Hyperloop from Maglev trains is the low-pressure environment. The low-pressure environment created by vacuums in the tubes reduces almost all of the drag. This means that less energy is needed to propel the train. The combination of the two techniques is what allows the capsule to achieve high speeds since there is less friction to decrease momentum.
Hyperloop would create sustainable transport networks with a fresh infrastructure. As time progresses, climate change becomes more pressing, so Hyperloop could help the cause. Some reasons that it is greener than conventional trains and planes is that less energy is needed to propel the capsule (because of the low friction environment), and multiple people can travel in one capsule.
The capsules should (theoretically) be able to reach speeds of 1200km/h or more, but wouldn’t the immense speeds be uncomfortable? Well, that is undetermined as of today, as there haven’t been any human tests yet. Some state that the extreme acceleration and lateral G-force on turns would cause nausea. Others at Virgin Hyperloop One said that “It will feel about the same as a ride in an elevator or a passenger plane.”.
Although Hyperloop will be fast, the systems we are building will accelerate with the same tolerable G-forces as that of taking off in a Boeing 747.
They also added that acceleration and deceleration will be gradual, with no G-forces or turbulence.
On top of everything else, a software system would need to be implemented in order to run efficiently and ensure a safe ride. Here are some of the requirements that the software system would need to have:
Great, but when will it become a reality? As it is still in development and needs to be tested, a definite release date is unknown. However, experts predict that services will be up and running around the year 2030. The reason for the lengthy process is testing must be done many times in order to ensure safety, and certification/permission is needed to actually implement the transport in cities. After that, construction and more tests are done, delaying the release further.
However, more advancements are being made as time goes on. In the multiple pod competitions, there have been many promising designs. Different pods have been tested on a to-scale test track, reaching speeds higher than 300km/h. In fact, a new test track is planned to be built in central Ohio starting in 2021.
In conclusion, creating and implementing Hyperloop is not an easy task. There’s lots of testing to be done, and multiple factors must be considered (cost, comfort, travel times, safety, etc.).
Takeaways:
- Hyperloop is predicted to be commercially available around 2030
- It would create a fresh, sustainable transportation network
- Much more testing will be done, eventually with passengers
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/how-long-hyperloop/index.html
https://trl.co.uk/sites/default/files/Hyperloop%20white%20paper_0.pdf
Thanks for reading! I’m a university student passionate about emerging technology, coding, engineering, and more. You can follow me or connect with me on LinkedIn.
