Hardt Hyperloop is currently constructing a 400-metre test track in Groningen. On this track, they will conduct tests with a prototype vehicle. Bakker Magnetics has manufactured the magnetic levitation assemblies for this prototype. These assemblies are extremely powerful and allow the vehicle to levitate, ultimately resulting in a travel speed of up to 700 km/h!
One of the magnetic levitation assemblies
What is Hyperloop?
The hyperloop is a new transportation system where vehicles float on magnetic fields and move through low-pressure tubes. It is incredibly energy-efficient, using only 10% of the energy needed for roads and aviation, and 50% less energy than rail. Not only does the hyperloop produce no noise, vibration, or pollution, but it also doesn’t intersect with other infrastructures. Additionally, it can seamlessly blend into urban and natural surroundings. Overall, the hyperloop offers the most sustainable solution to meet the increasing demand for transportation.
In the hyperloop, autonomous vehicles travel through a network of low-pressure tubes. Vehicles are propelled, suspended, and guided magnetically. It is 10x more energy-efficient than road transport and aviation, uses 2-3x less space needed than rail and road, and provides shorter travel times than aviation.
Passengers can expect short access times at the stations on top of the short trips that hyperloop can provide. Cargo operators can expect highly reliable and traceable service, in combination with efficient loading and unloading of cargo. Throughout the hyperloop infrastructure, there are multiple access points, including passenger stations, cargo stations, and emergency access stations. The latter ensures passenger safety in case of emergency.
Electromagnetic suspension
Our system uses both ‘permanent magnets’ – magnets with a permanent magnetic field – and electromagnets. The permanent magnets provide enough force to lift the vehicle up without using any energy, and the electromagnets only stabilize the vehicle. As a result, the suspension system uses virtually no energy, being able to lift the weight of a car using the same power as a light bulb.
Electromagnetic propulsion
The propulsion system pushes the vehicle forward using only electric energy by means of a linear electric engine, similar to that of an electric car. In the hyperloop, the motor extends across the entire track. This, in combination with electromagnetic suspension, allows the vehicles to propel forward, like surfing a magnetic wave.
The hyperloop switch
The hyperloop switch allows the vehicle to pass from one track to another, creating a network of tubes where you can go from any origin to any destination.
What makes the hyperloop switch special is that it doesn’t have any moving components in the infrastructure. It’s the vehicle that either pulls itself to the left or the right track. This allows vehicles to merge out and into the network at high succession, much like a highway.
Low-pressure environment
The high speeds are possible due to the combination of levitation and an environment in which there is no air resistance. This environment is created with vacuum pumps that remove most of the air from the tube to a pressure of 100 Pa, or 0.1% of atmospheric pressure. A pump station the size of a container is needed every few kilometers.
The energy used for traveling with the hyperloop is 10x lower than for road transport or aviation, including the energy to pump down the tubes.
We are very proud of our contribution to hyperloop and will keep you updated on testing and success in the near future!
