The scaled-down version of the super-speed magnetic levitation train has successfully traversed 11.8 km at a maximum speed of 40.7 km/h in the Hyperloop vacuum tube.
At the Hyperloop testing facility of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the first of its kind in Europe, researchers have completed the longest journey ever in a vacuum tube, as reported by Interesting Engineering on November 6. The experiment was conducted by EPFL, the Vaud School of Business and Engineering (HEIG-VD), and Swisspod Technologies as part of the LIMITLESS project.
Miniature Hyperloop testing facility. (Video: Swisspod Technologies)
The project team completed 82 tests to simulate the journey of the Hyperloop train in a controlled low-pressure environment of 50 millibars. The longest test was a 11.8 km journey at a maximum speed of 40.7 km/h, equivalent to 141.6 km and 488.2 km/h when scaled up to full size. This marks a significant milestone in the development of this magnetic levitation train operating in a vacuum tube.
During the tests, the train’s cabin operated autonomously, utilizing onboard power to propel and lift the train along the vacuum tube. The team of experts also evaluated key systems concerning energy consumption, thrust, and control capabilities at various speed stages.
The testing track at EPFL is circular, facilitating rapid testing and the development of essential technologies for Hyperloop. The structure has a diameter of 40 cm and a circumference of 125.6 m. It is considered a 1:12 scale version of Hyperloop technology.
According to the research team, the success of this experiment is crucial for the high-speed transportation sector as it demonstrates the fundamental concepts and potential of Hyperloop technology for fast and environmentally friendly travel in the future.
The EPFL testing track is circular, allowing for quick experiments.
In addition to exploring practical capabilities and limits, upcoming tests at the EPFL facility will focus on developing a more efficient version of the Hyperloop propulsion and levitation system. These tests will also provide crucial data to facilitate market launch.
According to the research team, innovations from the LIMITLESS project have the potential to impact the automotive, rail, aerospace industries, and even subway systems. “We will soon begin testing the first Hyperloop cargo transport product at a larger facility that we are building in the United States. This is an important step toward realizing passenger Hyperloop trains, changing the way we connect, work, and live,” said Denis Tudor, CEO of Swisspod Technologies.
