Exploring New and Expansive Hyperloop Technologies

HYPED’s research team is one of the three main pillars of the society and pushes forward into areas the technical team have yet to explore. Every year, the research team delves into the many aspects of Hyperloop technology with intent to improve its implementation and bring it a step closer to reality.

HYPED are winners of the Virgin Hyperloop One Global Challenge in 2017, having proposed a route connecting Edinburgh to London in 50 minutes. Our proposal discussed the feasibility of Hyperloop in the UK, highlighting the social, economic and environmental impacts. Out of 2600 entries, HYPED is one of ten winners across the globe and the only student team to have won the Global Challenge.

Since 2021, we have been publishing and presenting our paper at European Hyperloop Week (EHW), where it is shared and competes with publications from other Hyperloop teams. HYPED has proven to provide great contributions in the research side of the Hyperloop community as we were selected as the top 4 finalists for the full-scale research category in EHW 2023.

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The UK Spine; A Regenerative Project for the United Kingdom

2017

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Observing The Complexity Of A Hyperloop: Beyond The Sphere Of A Technical Marvel

Investigation into the feasibility of introducing Hyperloop to the UK Contents

Feasibility Study of Suspension and Levitation Systems for a Hyperloop System

Integration and Performance Study of Vacuum Pumps and Airlocks in a Hyperloop System

2023

2019

2022

2021

2017 - The UK Spine; A Regenerative Project for the United Kingdom

Historically, the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of technological innovation in transportation, from pioneering railways to the world's first underground system. Hyperloop technology offers promise in bridging economic disparities across Britain. Past transport advancements, like the canal system, fuelled industrial growth and reduced inequalities. Moreover, new trading opportunities spread wealth to communities in proximity to these routes and promoted growth in the local economies.

However, recent reliance on strained conventional rail and air networks has faced consequences such as provoking passenger distress and a loss of competitive advantage.. The proposed UK Spine, a Hyperloop route going through Edinburgh - Manchester - Birmingham - London, aims to bolster sustainability pillars - economic, social, and environmental, by revitalising transport infrastructure. Amid challenges like post-Brexit uncertainties, the government plans to mitigate risks through increased investment in innovative technology research and skill development to drive economic growth and address social inequalities.

Read the Paper

2019 - Observing The Complexity Of A Hyperloop: Beyond The Sphere Of A Technical Marvel

Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Channel Tunnel, provide extensive benefits, simultaneously pose significant challenges, including disruptions and cost overruns. The Hyperloop, a novel technology, likely anticipates similar challenges that demand innovative solutions. Issues such as project cost and sustainability are prominent, with cost-effectiveness essential for consumers to willingly switch away from traditional transport methods.

Additionally, the potential for cargo transport remains unexplored. Overall, integrating Hyperloop into an ageing public transport system necessitates addressing safety and reliability concerns. Understanding these complexities is important for implementing the technology effectively, ensuring it provides secure and efficient mobility for both people and freight.

Read the Paper

2021 - Investigation into the feasibility of introducing Hyperloop to the UK Contents

Historically, the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of technological innovation in transportation, from pioneering railways to the world's first underground system. Hyperloop technology offers promise in bridging economic disparities across Britain. Past transport advancements, like the canal system, fuelled industrial growth and reduced inequalities. Moreover, new trading opportunities spread wealth to communities in proximity to these routes and promoted growth in the local economies.

However, recent reliance on strained conventional rail and air networks has faced consequences such as provoking passenger distress and a loss of competitive advantage.. The proposed UK Spine, a Hyperloop route going through Edinburgh - Manchester - Birmingham - London, aims to bolster sustainability pillars - economic, social, and environmental, by revitalising transport infrastructure. Amid challenges like post-Brexit uncertainties, the government plans to mitigate risks through increased investment in innovative technology research and skill development to drive economic growth and address social inequalities.

Read the Paper

2022 - Feasibility Study of Suspension and Levitation Systems for a Hyperloop System

This paper explores the feasibility of four suspension/levitation systems for Hyperloop: wheel-on-rail suspension (WRS), electrodynamic suspension (EDS), electromagnetic suspension (EMS), and electrodynamic wheels (EDW). Each system is analysed in terms of its different technologies, costs, and commercialization potential. While EDW is seen as potentially the cheapest maglev option, it lacks the relevant implementation data needed to compare with the other potential systems. EMS offers dynamic but unstable force, contrasting with EDS's stability, however, EDS requires a minimum speed for lift while EMS does not. EDW provides lift and thrust at all speeds but possesses a complex configuration. WRS, despite not eliminating wheel-on-track friction, is highly commercialised.

In the end, a conclusive comparison could not be done as there was insufficient data. However, this paper highlights the fact that the limitations of some systems were overcome by others. Due to a lack of information on certain systems, further research will be necessary for a more definitive assessment.

Read the Paper

2023 - Integration and Performance Study of Vacuum Pumps and Airlocks in a Hyperloop System

Historically, the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of technological innovation in transportation, from pioneering railways to the world's first underground system. Hyperloop technology offers promise in bridging economic disparities across Britain. Past transport advancements, like the canal system, fuelled industrial growth and reduced inequalities. Moreover, new trading opportunities spread wealth to communities in proximity to these routes and promoted growth in the local economies.

However, recent reliance on strained conventional rail and air networks has faced consequences such as provoking passenger distress and a loss of competitive advantage. The proposed UK Spine, a Hyperloop route going through Edinburgh - Manchester - Birmingham - London, aims to bolster sustainability pillars - economic, social, and environmental, by revitalising transport infrastructure. Amid challenges like post-Brexit uncertainties, the government plans to mitigate risks through increased investment in innovative technology research and skill development to drive economic growth and address social inequalities.

Read the Paper

Images & Videography by Paco Chow

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