Science Topics beginning with ‘H’:
Hyperloop:
Hyperloop Speed
[Blog reference ST: PT-B1-C3-220610]
It has been proposed that vacuum and maglev powered Hyperloop passenger transport systems be built that have cruising speeds of up to 1200 km/h. This would give the transport system a speed that is four times the cruising speed of most existing in-service High Speed Trains (HST) running on conventional railway tracks. While HSTs use tracks and electric catenaries that meet higher specifications than slower trains, HST’s are becoming more and more popular, particularly in Europe and Asia. The cost of HSTs is greater than slower trains but likely to remain significantly lower than Hyperloop systems which are yet to be built.
Economic justification for Hyperloop, compared with traditional railways, requires a significant speed that enables the Hyperloop system to compete with existing high usage air links between major centers of population.
Passenger safety and comfort requirements would suggest that the acceleration and deceleration would need to be limited. For example. limited to no more than one g horizontal force.
Economics would then argue that the cruising speed be maintained for some minimum distance before decelerating and slowing to a stop at the destination.
In addition, there are various safety and technical challengers that need to be adequately addressed before a Hyperloop could be approved for passenger travel.
Then there is the cost. To be successful, a Hyperloop needs to be able to compete with existing, conventional air travel.
One major advantage of a Hyperloop transport system, given that it would be totally electric, is that it would be more sustainable with regards to climate change than hydrocarbon fueled air travel.