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Sustainability|Technology

Net-energy positive transportation

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The future of transportation requires intentional engineering

A vital component for combating the climate crisis is the development of sustainable transportation options. Today, the transportation industry is the fastest-growing source of global CO2 emissions, adding to a problem that has been directly linked to more than 8 million lives lost annually. 

Throughout history, transportation has shaped cities and societies. Innovations in the way we move have unlocked new eras for humanity and right now, the world is searching for a new era. An era of sustainable development, built from centuries of industrialized learnings. That’s why the world needs ambitious companies like HyperloopTT, that are committed to developing solutions that meet the needs of today without compromising the resources of tomorrow.

Since 2013, HyperloopTT engineers have been designing the sustainable future that we want to live in. Advancing the commercial potential of hyperloop systems from theoretical application to full-scale prototype testing. Along the way, technical development has focused on creating the safest and most sustainable transportation option. 

Committing to the environment is more than the simple fulfillment of sustainable aspirations. Incorporating industry-leading innovations that benefit the environment enables us to create a future-proof transportation with the potential to redefine global travel and energy infrastructure.

Reduced operational energy requirements

The majority of energy used during transportation is needed to overcome friction. Whether it be overcoming resistance of steel wheels-on-rail or aerodynamic drag, significant energy is required to maintain traveling speeds. Hyperloop systems reduce the operational energy requirements of achieving high-speeds by operating in a near-frictionless environment. 

HyperloopTT’s capsules levitate over an unpowered conductive track in a low-pressure environment to safely and efficiently bring airplane speeds to the ground. Gradually accelerating at 0.1 g’s HypeloopTT’s system will be able to achieve speeds upwards of 1100 km/h (700 mph) in under 5 and a half minutes.

The greatly reduced friction in HyperloopTT’s operating environment means that once a capsule has reached cruising speed there are very low external forces to overcome. Eliminating the need for continuous energy input. The result is an inherently efficient system that maintains high average speeds with limited energy consumption. 

Deploying cutting-edge technology increases efficiency

Hyperloop’s efficiency is not limited to theoretical conceptualization. Together with world-class partners, HyperloopTT has developed key technologies that support the system’s high-efficiency standards. The combination of HyperloopTT’s levitation and vacuum technology creates a foundation for efficient operations that supporting technologies can build upon.  

Critical to HyperloopTT’s efficiency objectives is a proprietary passive magnetic levitation system that requires no external power. Exclusively licensed from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, InductrackTM enables fail-safe levitation over an unpowered track. Currently being optimized for hyperloop operation, InductrackTM is a key component of HyperloopTT fight against energy consumption. 

Our vacuum pump system, co-developed with Leybold, optimally creates and maintains a low-pressure environment spanning hundreds of kilometers. In full-scale testing, the system’s dynamic pump-down procedures have efficiently exceeded target pressures and controlled leakage to reduce the need for continuous operation. The system is currently undergoing optimization for commercial deployment.

Supporting the core components of hyperloop technology are innovations in energy conservation that further decrease the need for external power. Solar panel cladding atop the tube infrastructure is just one of the renewable energy capture technologies that HyperloopTT’s system will deploy to respond to local conditions. Renewable energy use doesn’t stop there, HyperloopTT has also developed regenerative braking technology that recovers energy lost while braking to ensure the maximization of energy resources.

Generating more energy than required for regular operations

HyperloopTT’s commitment to sustainable transportation innovation has led to the creation of future-proof infrastructure. When considering the potential to collect more energy than required for regular operations, the system is net-energy positive over the course of a year. The combination of extremely reduced energy requirements and renewable energy capture technology has the potential to redefine the positive impacts of infrastructure projects.

Not only will hyperloop be a high-speed transportation system providing widespread economic opportunity throughout connected regions, but it will accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy. Leaving a net-positive impact for generations to come.

Download shareable assets here.

CONTACT:

Ben Cooke

HyperloopTT Head of Media Relations

ben@hyperlooptt.com

310-720-1214

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