711 144 WARR Hyperloop Pod L. Spanier1 and S. Biser2 1Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich INTRODUCTION Hyperloop is a novel means of transport envisioned to use high speed pods in partially evacuated tubes for passenger transportation. The use of a levitation system and an air compressor enable the minimization of ground and air drag increasing its energy efficiency. The planned top speed of 1200 km/h makes this concept a possible replacement for short range flights. PROJECT OVERVIEW Within the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, we developed a technologically advanced prototype, which is able to test all critical technologies for the final market introduction. In this competition the pod will be tested at a reduced speed of 350 km/h, although our design already features all the technologies necessary for operation at transonic speeds. The pod is externally accelerated by an automatic pusher vehicle or a linear motor and maintains its speed with its battery-powered onboard systems. These involve an axial compressor, which pushes the residual air from the front to the rear of the pod. This compressor was taken from a military grade turbojet engine, and is suitable for high power operation over long durations. The compressor not only creates thrust to overcome the drag from the levitation system and air friction, but also prevents aerodynamic shocks from the accelerated gas around the pod by decreasing the total airflow. This helps the pod to reach and maintain its cruising speed. Since wheels become inefficient due to rapidly increasing drag above 500 km/h, an electrodynamic levitation system was implemented. Although its effect won’t be significant at the reduced operation speed during the SpaceX competition, this test will be valuable to improve the system. The levitation effect is generated by the induction of electrical currents in the metal base of the transportation tube from a complex array of permanent magnets. This makes the system fail safe while eliminating a necessary constant power supply. As this effect relies on the inertial speed of the pod, low friction wheels are used to carry the weight of the pod at low speeds. To provide a maximum in safety, the pod uses a pair of redundant braking systems: A primary high-efficiency eddy-current brake and a backup set of frictional brakes, which also keeps the pod in place during a standstill. CONCLUSIONS The overall focus on minimization of drag throughout the entire design process resulted in a noticeably high energy efficiency. In a marketable system based on our prototype, the energy required at cruising speed per person and kilometer could be 25 % lower than in rail traffic, while achieving speeds 25 % higher than air traffic. REFERENCES Musk, E. (2013). Hyperloop Alpha. SpaceX.(Online Article). http://www. spacex. com/sites/spacex/files/hyperloop_alpha. pdf. TRANSPORT LAPTOP CONCEPT MASTER THESIS
Grøn Dyst 2016
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