Hyperloop 101
You’ve heard Elon Musk talk about it, you’ve heard your friend talk about it, maybe your dog; the word “hyperloop” has been a spurring topic for almost a decade. It’s almost imperative to know more about it. This blog will act as the lowest barrier entry explanation on hyperloop technology. Whether you’re a seasoned transportation technology fan who needs a quick refresher or a curious soul, you’ve come to the place!
What is a hyperloop?
Hyperloop is a new type of ground transport, on or below ground, that carries passengers in enclosed containers called pods on a track. But what’s so different between that and a train/subway?
- The pods carrying passengers travel through vacuum tubes to reduce friction
- Second, rather than using wheels like a train or car, the pods are designed to float on air skis, kind of like a puck on an air hockey table, or using magnetic levitation
Because of the decreased friction and air resistance, the hyperloop is said to travel very quickly, up to 760mph, much faster than a train or car. Under Musk’s model, the Hyperloop would be powered by solar panels placed on the top of the tube which would allow the system to generate more energy than it needs to run.
How did it come about?
Elon didn’t invent it. In fact, the concept of low pressure tubes as object/people-carrying vehicles have been in use since the 1860s to carry things like wagons up and down a hill. In 1867, a human-moving tube was even proposed in New York City:
Pneumatic tubes (tubes with compressed air or a vacuum) have since been used to carry mail and money quickly around places like post offices and banks:
Some other concept drawings were created throughout the 20th century. This one is from 1974:
Where Musk comes in the picture
The hyperloop concept wasn’t new, however, it was entrepreneur Elon Musk who really reignited interest in the concept with his ‘Hyperloop Alpha’ paper in August 2013, which set out how a modern system would work — and how much it would cost. “If the Hyperloop is ever built, a trip on it between the two California cities would last about 30 minutes”, he said. But he says he is currently too busy to develop the project himself, as he runs around 3 companies.
What’s happening now
That’s why hyperloop is now an open source project, worked on by companies like HyperloopTT (see our blog post on that) and dozens of university teams from around the world.
Want to get a deeper understanding of the modern hyperloop proposal? The CHC team recommends reading the official Hyperloop Alpha white paper.
