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Hyperloop: The innovative logistic technology

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DOI: 10.31075/PIS.68.01.02

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 Пут и саобраћај
Journal of Road and Traffic Engineering

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Hyperloop: The innovative logistic technology

Oussema Kassebi a, Patrick Siegfried b*
a MATE Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of technology
b ISM International School of Management, Department Logistik & Supply Chain Management, ORCID: 0000-0001-6783-4518

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

DOI: 10.31075/PIS.68.01.02 Railroads, roads, rivers, and airways are the most common modes of
Professional paper transportation for people and commodities. The cost of different ways of
Received:15/12/2021 transportation varies according to distance, luxury, size, fragility, and other
Accepted: 08/03/2022
factors. When the following factors are accounted for, the vehicle might become
Corresponding author:
[email protected] prohibitively expensive for many individuals. A new means of conveyance has
Keywords: been developed. Elon Musk initially proposed it as the fifth mode of
transportation in 2012. For commuters and goods, Hyperloop offers a quick and
Keyword 1 high speed
cost-effective way of transportation. The Hyperloop is essentially a vacuum tube
Keyword 2 Hyperloop
Keyword 3 transportation technology train that transports people or products at incredible speeds while efficiently.
Keyword 4 transport safe Compared to traditional forms of transportation, the Hyperloop is ideal since it is
highly energy-efficient, quiet, and self-contained. Increased cargo delivery
speeds will be the most evident benefit of this idea to the industry. Hyperloop
also has the potential to make a significant contribution to green supply chains.
It is a carbon-free form of transportation that has changed inland freight
transportation and maritime and air freight transit. It can move freight below,
above ground, and under-water. The aim of this paper is to explain this new
innovative technology as a development for logistic concepts.

1. Introduction The hyperloop is a high-speed passenger and freight

transportation system that can reach up to 1200 km/h
In the last several years, new technology in (Dudnikov, 2017). The capsules are supported by an
transportation systems has advanced at a breakneck air pad that includes pressurized air as well as an
pace throughout the world. According to some aerodynamic lift (Yang et al., 2017). The pills are
analysts, a new mode of transportation is becoming accelerated using a magnetic linear accelerator with
competitive with existing modes of transportation such rotors in each capsule connected to different stations
as vehicles, trains, aircraft, and boat (Rathore & on the low-pressure tube (Rob et al., 2019).
Kumar, 2018; Siegfried 2021). The usage of an Passengers can enter and depart the Hyperloop at
ultrafast Hyperloop vacuum train, which travels on air stations located at the tube's ends or branching
or magnetic cushion within tubes with low internal air throughout its length (Inamdar & Panchal, 2018.)
pressure to decrease resistance to movement, is a
new fifth mode of transportation (Dharmeshkumar & It may alternatively be defined as a pod- and magnetic-
Samir, 2021.). levitation-based method of transportation in a low-
pressure-sealed tube or series of lines that work in a
The hyperloop is characterized as a high-speed, low-pressure environment to minimize drag and boost
autonomous means of land transportation in which a efficiency, resulting in much shorter journey times
vehicle is directed through a low-pressure tube or set (Chin & Gray, 2015). The effective deployment of the
of lines for people and goods (Mitropoulos et al., hyperloop and its safe integration into the present
2021). It is a revolutionary means of intercity transportation system would need a confluence of
transportation that uses a fixed guideway tube-based modern technology utilized in high-speed railway
infrastructure to connect cities securely, efficiently, and (HSR), aviation, aerospace, and magnetic levitation
sustainably (Rathore & Kumar, 2018). applications (van Goeverden et al., 2018).
Oussema KASSEBI, Patrick SIEGFRIED

A large amount of research and patent activity on The vehicle (also known as pod or capsule) consists of
numerous hyperloop system components has been an aerodynamic fuselage similar to the design of a
emphasized since the original conceptualization of the commercial airplane; an interior and an electric
hyperloop. While various means of transportation with subsystem. Hyperloop capsules travel in low-pressure
similar elements can be employed in hyperloop tubes between pre-determined trajectories and point-
construction, specific hyperloop components are very to-point stations (Station A and Station B) (Figure 1).
different (Nøland, 2021). The hyperloop, for example,
moves at faster speeds than maglev trains and uses a The infrastructure consists of the tube, the
comparable propulsion technology. Furthermore, the substructure, and the stations. The tube encloses and
pressure value supported by the pod is similar to that maintains the low-pressure environment, allowing for
of airplanes (Decker et al., 2017). Several papers give the least amount of air loss. The infrastructure also
descriptions of the hyperloop system's components. includes the pressure maintenance system and power
substations, which significantly reduce air drag and
Others focus on other hyperloop technology, such as enable the pod to move at speeds of up to 1200 km/h.
pneumatic tube and tunnel systems, while others focus The parameters of the infrastructure are determined by
on technical performance concerns, such as the type of levitation and propulsion system used
aerodynamics and energy (Yang et al., 2017). Certain (Tavsanoglu et al., 2021).
technologies' system operation has been
demonstrated at a sub-scale level and low speeds;
The communication system establishes a self-
however, the compatibility of the different systems in
contained environment, transfers data, and organizes
subsonic speed ranges and on a genuine scale has
operations to ensure safety and comfort.
yet to be proved (Mahalakshmi, 2018)

Multiple public and private stakeholders in North

America, Asia, and Europe have been involved in
researching and developing the hyperloop system
(Mitropoulos et al., 2021). The amount of scientific
research that is publicly available is still somewhat Figure 1: The conceptual Hyperloop diagram. (Nøland, 2021)
restricted. Researchers concentrate on specific
aspects of the Hyperloop, like the design and 2.1 The pod
simulation of the electro-magnetic levitation force via a
short-stator linear synchronous motor, aerodynamic The pod is the main structural structure of the system
design of the vehicle and simulation dynamics of the and is comparable to an airplane airframe (Figure 2).
tube structure and vehicle interaction(Opgenoord & The hyperloop pod is essentially a pressure vessel that
Caplan, 2018), sizing models for the passenger pod, can endure pressure variations and, more crucially,
sizing and feasibility study for a magnetic plane transport people and goods. Its design blends
concept, impact on bridge dynamics, and other aerodynamics, materials technology, and production
technical, operational, economic, social/environmental procedures, emphasizing performance, reliability, and
issues (Hansen, 2020). cost.
Following many studies, it has been discovered that The pod is meant to be as light as feasible to handle
using Hyperloop as the fifth form of transportation can external low-pressure circumstances, design speed,
reduce trip times by half or more than half (Dudnikov, and contain:
2017; Siegfried & Strak 2021). The concept of the
Hyperloop appears to be science fiction. Still, it is on  -On-board technologies and interior
the verge of becoming a reality, with a growing number furnishings.
of companies developing new concepts every day  -Enhancing passenger safety.
(Decker et al., 2017). Companies such as Virgin  -Travel experience.
Hyperloop One are beginning to build their own  -Comfort inside a tube-based environment.
designed Hyperloop in countries like the United Arab The pod design has a considerable impact on the tube
Emirates and India. infrastructure design, which is determined by the
loading pad arrangement and the development of
dispersed or concentrated loads and static, dynamic,
2. Concept and basic elements of Hyperloop
and thermal stresses. The aerodynamic drag and
logistic technology
operating energy consumption of the tube may be
affected by the frontal surface and form of the pod.
The present progress status for the hyperloop system The Kantrowitz limit, blockage ratio, drag coefficient,
is offered based on the literature results by
and pod length are all aspects to consider while
concentrating on the system's components. maximizing aerodynamic performance and pod
speeds.

12 Journal of Road and Traffic Engineering, LXVIII, 1/2022, 11-16

 Hyperloop: The innovative logistic technology

Inside a pod, passenger safety and comfort are based Switches with a High-Frequency Operation: The
on a blend of rail and aviation best practices, with switches are track-changing devices that allow pods to
verified components from established technology. move from one track to the next, creating point-to-point
Passengers will enjoy comfort, information, and connectivity in a tube network and connecting cities.
entertainment thanks to a human-centric interior Two significant possibilities have been proposed for
design that includes augmented reality windows, switching. The first envisions tubes diverging and
lighting, brilliant colors, texture, and sound level heading in various directions. The second split the
control. main pipe two kilometers away from a destination,
allowing for more capacity during the acceleration and
Two power system approaches are identified one deceleration periods. If actual pod quantities are close
employs a guideway as a propulsor, resulting in a to forecasts, more portals (terminal entrance or
lightweight pod with high infrastructure costs, and the departure points) will be required. The ability of the
other uses an energy-autonomous pod that stores vast pods to switch between tubes is likely to improve as
quantities of onboard energy, cutting infrastructure changing technological advances. The number of
costs dramatically. needed switches heavily influences the cost of a
hyperloop system. The high-speed controls must also
be maintained and monitored to guarantee lateral
steering and safety, preventing unforeseen accidents.
Airlocks: The airlocks are devices with gate valves that
allow hyperloop pods to be loaded and unloaded
inside the evacuated tube without re-pressurizing the
Figure 2 : Hyperloop Passenger capsule subsystem notional entire line, making the transition from atmospheric to
locations. (Joshi, 2016) low pressure and vice versa easier. To maximize the
speed and efficiency of (dis)embarking when the pod
2.2 Compositions frequency is high, a configuration of multiple parallel
working airlocks is necessary. The evolution of airlocks
Tube: The tube creates a low-pressure travel- may be classified into two categories: The pressure in
guideway environment and shields the pod from any an airlock chamber is likely to vary. The airlock
outside influences. It is airtight to preserve the low- chamber serves as a pressure regulator, ensuring a
pressure environment, sturdy enough to avoid failures, smooth transition from atmospheric pressure to a low-
and constructed following the pod's shape and pressure tube environment and back; once the pod is
aerodynamic needs (Figure 3). The system's shut, depressurization happens. The platform will
operational pressure level determines the tube include bridge doors that lock onto the pod doors,
geometry. Furthermore, the tube must be grade- allowing the pod to be exposed exclusively to a low-
separated from other types of transportation. Concrete pressure environment while still connected to the
towers of varying heights are expected to support the station atmosphere.
tube system, depending on the layout of the guideway.
System for Maintaining Pressure (PMS): The PMS is in
Elevated, on-ground, and subsurface guideway
charge of the initial air evacuation (pump down) and
infrastructures are being investigated. The elevated
the maintenance of steady-state conditions, and air
guideway is safer since it eliminates the requirement
leakage management. PMS may rely on various
for crossing control devices at traffic crossings and has
pressure levels, with some functioning at pressures
a smaller land footprint than a railway track.
comparable to civil aviation and others at pressures
close to space. The power necessary to sustain
pressure vs. the energy required to overcome
aerodynamic drag is a trade-off when determining an
appropriate pressure level.
Interfaces—Levitation: The earliest hyperloop design
advocated using air bearings for levitation combined
with a linear induction motor, which involves a lot of
maintenance, tight integration between the track and
the pod, and dramatically increasing the pod weight
with fans, motors, and hover-pads (Figure 4).
Following that, work concentrated on magnetic
levitation (maglev), combined with electromagnetic
propulsion for increased efficiency

Figure 3: Front view showing the capsule with the tube cross-
section (Hodaib & Fattah, 2016).

Journal of Road and Traffic Engineering, LXVIII, 1/2022, 11-16 13

Oussema KASSEBI, Patrick SIEGFRIED

Interfaces—Propulsion: The propulsion subsystem's The proper blocking ratio, aerodynamic performance,
primary duties include: and material properties may all assist in lightening
nacelles and minimizing pain. Tube design still has
 Accelerating the pod, braking or decelerating several restrictions, such as a lack of full-scale test
it. facilities, standardized tube diameter measurements,
 Maintaining the goal speed between the and materials and proof of concept for dimensional
acceleration and deceleration zones. stability. System simulations are needed to determine
 Combating drag forces. the best aerodynamic gondola with sufficient
 Providing safe magnetic field levels and passenger capacity and the ability to attain the
comfort in the passenger cabin. projected ultra-high speeds.

It has already been demonstrated that well-supported

seat designs with safety features protect passengers
during rapid accelerations and decelerations;
nevertheless, the concept's viability must still be tested
at high speeds of operation to determine its viability.
Passengers' comfort must be met for the vehicle to
accelerate and decelerate in curves and corners, and
the best seating configuration must be checked to
ensure passenger safety. The hyperloop is an
innovative concept that allows you to travel at high
Figure 4: Hyperloop system decomposition (Gkoumas & Christou, speeds.
2020)
Infrastructure design takes on new dimensions with
Axial compressors and linear motors are the two types Hyperloop. Alignment characteristics such as tilt,
of propulsion technologies currently being considered. horizontal curvature, and allowable rates of change for
vertical and horizontal angle and jerk are affected by
2.3 System of Communication speed, which is the critical component that varies from
traditional means of transportation. There is a growing
Several communication systems are required, need to include the needs of hyperloop into the
including (1) transmission of the pod's sensor data to present state of the art in the design of HSR and
and from a centralized data processor and (2) maglev rail lines. The applied alignment has a direct
communication between the pod and the tube relevant impact on hyperloop steering.
to the pod's position. There are several difficulties with
pod communication and data collecting and the high- Elevated, ground and subsurface guideways are all
speed connection between pods and infrastructure. options. In the near term, environment and raised
Wireless communication between antennas using guiding structures may be chosen because to cost
radio waves is now possible thanks to a new type of savings, but, in the long run, underwater tunnels
optical fiber. Although the GSM-R (Global System for capable of supporting a hyperloop system may provide
Mobile Communications-Railway) is the central a viable alternative to aircraft.
communication system for HSR, the LTE-R (Long-
Term Evolution-Railway) may be employed in Hyperloop, like design, presents new features in
communication systems owing to specific restrictions transportation planning because of its revolutionary
(Zhang et al., 2020).Data transfer, Internet access, and operational and physical properties. A demand
high-quality voice or mobile video streaming are all forecasting system must be devised to give practical
possible with the LTE-R. Radio and fiber networks, assessments with other competing modes in different
with particular antennas located at intervals and the corridors. Hyperloop is evaluated using two primary
hyperloop system and hardware put on the pod using parameters: time and cost. Because time is inversely
the newest 802.11 Wi-Fi standards, have also been related to speed, ticket prices must be weighed against
built (Mitropoulos et al., 2021). infrastructure costs and the value of time to
passengers. Surveys at the national and international
levels should also incorporate user perceptions of the
3. Discussions value of travel time (VTD) and behavioral factors. The
station design (number of tracks, platform size,
The hyperloop is still in its early phases of passenger and freight waiting areas), station type
development, and boosting technological readiness (underground/above ground), and the arrangement of
levels will need actions and cooperation from both the connecting facilities (i.e., hubs) with other modes of
corporate and public sectors. transportation will be influenced by the physical
characteristics of the hyperloop (e.g., tube, vacuum
The nacelle's frontal size and form impact the tube's system, etc.).
aerodynamic drag and operating energy consumption.

14 Journal of Road and Traffic Engineering, LXVIII, 1/2022, 11-16

 Hyperloop: The innovative logistic technology

Simulation software for a hyperloop system that The next stage for Hyperloop is to go past preliminary
addresses the following challenges will be required to tests and feasibility studies and begin testing the
offer comprehensive and reliable assessments. technology over greater distances, as well as, most
critically, with passengers. Finding business models
Performance is assessed mainly in terms of safety, that operate globally will be another difficulty. We won't
energy efficiency, and cost. The necessity for know if Hyperloop is a success until all of this is
stakeholders to show the practicality of hyperloop completed.
technology and compare its performance to other
modes of transportation is likely driving this interest.
Hyperloop is a cutting-edge mobility technology that
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