BUP5-BUP7

The Hyperloop is a concept for a high-speed transport system of the future. The idea: transport capsules move, gliding in vacuum tubes, with velocities close to the speed of sound.

Research is being conducted on the Hyperloop concept to develop new transportation technologies. Part of the research involves building prototypes and validating scalability through feasibility analyses. During the funding period, the approximately 1.60-meter-long prototype of a Hyperloop capsule was developed and manufactured. One focus was the development of an electrodynamic levitating linear induction motor. The technology of the motor functioning as a combined propulsion and levitation concept for high-speed transport application was researched and validated.

Approach

• Development of a functional prototype of a Hyperloop capsule
• Development and validation of a levitating linear induction motor as a propulsion and levitation concept
• Model-based development for optimization and automation of the product development process - especially in the area of traction development
• Implementation of specially developed control systems for the control of the levitating linear induction motor
• Modular electronic architecture for flexible integration of new components consisting of self-developed hardware and software modules
• Establishment of the student platform of scientific exchange "mu-zero" in the field of high-speed transport as a cooperation project between the University of Stuttgart and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Result

Within the scope of the project, a stationary motor test bench was developed and set up which, with the aid of a flywheel, enables continuous testing of the linear induction motor without an aluminum rail. Thus, no cost-intensive hyperloop test track was needed to investigate the dynamic motor behavior. In addition, the measurement of the linear induction motor at different operating points, in the available space, was made possible by the test bench in the first place.