Hyperloop technology: A futuristic approach to transform the world
Everything you need to know about Hyperloop technology- How does it work, Its benefits and possibilities, why we need hyperloop now, cost and companies involved, Elon musk goals and other FAQ’s on hyperloop.
The value of time has increased a lot in our modern life and to avoid time getting caught in traffic is the annoying thing people think of. Hence many vehicles were introduced to reduce traveling time. We have crossed many stages of transportation- from bicycles to bikes, cars, buses, train, flight, and now high-speed bullet trains.
Although development in transportation has touched its heights, we can travel in a bullet train at the blazing speed of 320 km/h (200 mph). We didn’t stop here, a new era of technology is waiting for us and this led to the development of a whole new mode of transportation called hyperloop technology.
Hyperloop is also known as the “5th mode of transportation“.
What is Hyperloop technology?
Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation in which people are placed in a pod or cargo and then transported through a low-pressure tunnels (loop) to their destination.
You shouldn’t even consider comparing bullet trains or flights with this technology and here is the reason why?
You will be surprised after hearing this – The speed in Hyperloop technology is 1,200 km/h (760 mph) which is almost equal to the speed of sound (767.269mph). Now, just imagine that you are sitting in a pod and traveling at the speed of sound.😱
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How does Hyperloop work?
Hyperloop technology is an innovative concept of eliminating two major problems in regular vehicles which reduces its speed i.e Friction and air resistance.
As you know that gravity, friction and atmospheric pressure on the earth’s surface is the main reason why our vehicles are slow. Now, what would happen if we can create a chamber or a route to travel which has very little air pressure (almost like space)?
This is the same concept that is used in hyperloop technology. A vacuum tube (loop) is connected from the origin to the destination of travel. In this vacuum tube, complete air is not released, but a little force of air remains, and this results in low friction.
As the friction is less, the energy requirement is also reduced to increase the speed. So, let’s talk about how the whole idea of traveling in hyperloop works?
Individual pods are sent through the vacuum tubes such that you can travel from one point to another. The technologies that are used in hyperloop are Magnetic levitation and air pressure, due to which there is no friction between the pod and tube, and the speed of the pod shifts so fast that it leaves the speed of maglev trains behind.
In simple words, Magnetic levitation is a technique by which an object can be suspended without any support (as if it is floating in the air) with the help of a magnetic field.
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How did the idea of Hyperloop originate?
You might have expected that the Hyperloop is a recent innovative concept, but it is not. Did you know, the idea of Hyperloop technology was proposed 200 years ago. On the year 1799, A British inventor George Medhurst had taken a patent on an air propulsion tube as a transportation system.
After so many years, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, presented the design of this Hyperloop technology. The whole world gave a good response to his idea and design.
Elon Musk says that these pods will be faster than trains, safer than cars, and will be environment friendly than aircraft (flights).
Hyperloop is now an open-source technology, which means any company has the right to make hyperloop. This is the reason why many companies have already started making hyperloop.
Benefits
- Blazing speed – This is the main reason why hyperloop even existed, its speed (1200 km/hr) can leave almost every transport system behind with a huge difference.
- Low power consumption – The initial cost for batteries and power supply technologies would be high, whereas, in the long run, power consumption will be very less as it uses solar panels on top of the tube to run the pods. Due to less friction and low air pressure, the movement of pods would take a little energy to move at a very high speed.
- Cost-effective– Although hyperloop looks like an expensive technology, but if you compare other high-speed bullet trains, the cost would be comparatively very less.
If the price of a hyperloop is less, then the cost of traveling will also reduce compared to other bullet trains. - Delivery of goods will be very fast – Hyperloop can have many other uses other than carrying only passengers, like carrying goods and delivering products which will result in improving the delivery time, reduce of delivery cars, less traffic, low emission of pollutants, low pollution.
- Eco-friendly and safe in different weather conditions– Hyperloop doesn’t get affected by a normal climate change. It is also environment friendly and doesn’t produce air or noise pollution as it is powered by battery and mostly solar. There will also be very little emission rate in hyperloop.
There are so many benefits of hyperloop technology, but it also comes with some cons like movement in capsules space would be very limited, due to its high speed it will take some time for a person to get used to (They might feel dizziness or headache). Many areas might be compromised while constructing hyperloop technology that also includes trees, forests, etc…
Is it the solution for future mass transportation?
Yes, it might be a solution in the near future especially for goods delivery and a great alternative to trains. But, to revolutionize hyperloop technology in the real world there are many challenges such as extensive infrastructure, the issue in an expansion/contraction of tubes due to the change temperatures. After these issues are solved, it can be commercialized and available for the people.
The fundamental idea of making a hyperloop is the same for all companies. but, the technology involved will be a bit different from one another. Many hyperloop will be completed within 5-10 years from now. Whereas most of the general reviews suggest that hyperloop can be seen in the year 2021.
Recently, many routes have also been decided for the construction of hyperloop like – Pune to Mumbai, New York to Washington DC, Vijayawada to Amaravati, Kansas city to ST. Louis, Bratislava to Brno…
Companies involved in building Hyperloop technology
Check out there websites to know more…
