Our Approach_
Cutting-Edge Technology
To make the highly promising Hyperloop concept a reality, we have to develop our own perspective of the concept from scratch. Therefore, we are entering new technological territory. Whether it’s the ideal aerodynamic shape of the shell or our specialized LIM (Linear Induction Motor) technology, which allows us to levitate and actuate the Hyperloop pod in a single component. Each of our divisions strives to optimize specific parts in terms of safety, performance and sustainability. Scroll down for an overview of the various projects and components we are working on to bring this cutting-edge technology to life.
Main research_
Hyperloop Pod Prototype
In addition to general research, the focus of the work at mu-zero HYPERLOOP is on the development of a functioning, levitating hyperloop prototype (pod) that can be presented at international competitions and networking events. In the following you can find our areas of research and development.
Aerodynamic conditions in the Hyperloop system play a guiding role in the successful realization of an efficient transport. Traveling through air with very low density results in less drag for the pod, thus reducing the energy needed for movement. We believe, that a scientific based aerodynamic development is a key factor for advancing the Hyperloop concept.
The Aerodynamics Team focusses on the design and manufacturing of the shell. The shell is the outer fairing of our pod and should cause as low aerodynamic drag as possible. In order to achieve that we analyze and modify the geometry of the shell using 2- and 3-dimensional CFD Simulations in OpenFoam. Furthermore, we manufacture the shell ourselves in cooperation with a partner. The shell is made out of a unique sustainable and ecofriendly fiber reinforced plastic with natural flax fibers. To further improve our manufacturing methods we conduct material tests.
Our Levitation Team covers 3 main sides, the design of the magnet and its surrounding structure, along with the cooling and the control. The simulations of the magnet in COMSOL is critical when we want to figure out how much lifting force we require for our pod.
Not only the force but also the amount and precise timing of the current input is critical for a stable control. Our self designed PCB, known as the magnet driver board (MDB) is the brain behind the levitation system, as it connects all data and regulates individual magnets all at once. To make sure everything runs smoothly our system cannot overheat, which is where our cooling system plays a huge role. We assure a cooled system with the help of two separated cooling cycles running along the magnet and electronics.
Our Electronics Team develops the sensing and control system with low voltage. The development on the pod consists of the soft- and hardware components that are required to gather and share information from various sources, process it and operate a safe control.
The entire electronics system has a distributed embedded architecture, which contains several control units. Therefore, our electronics team is responsible for development and construction of the entire low voltage electronics on the pod, manufacture of the wiring harness, assembly of developed circuit boards, data acquisition, logging and evaluation with networking system, embedded software development for components and telemetry system as operator of the run.
Our Suspension System is the only system that is permanently in physical contact with the rail. The Suspension System stabilizes the pod in lateral direction and prevents it from roll and yaw rotation. To guarantee a failsafe solution we simulate the worst-case scenarios by means of FEM and MATLAB. Based on these results, the design can be done accordingly. Creative solutions and new materials help to reduce friction as much as possible.
Also our Brakes team is extremely important, as safety plays an integral role in our mission to develop a functional hyperloop system. To ensure that the pod can be stopped quickly and under any circumstances, a mechanical emergency brake system is being developed. This season the team develops a pretensioned system to add redundancy. Apart from the mechanical design the brake pad plays a crucial roll in brake design. Therefore, some test and especially a heat simulation have to be done to understand the system.
In our Structure and Packaging Team, all subsystems come together and find their location in our pod. We manage and develop interfaces for all components as well as routes for electrical, mechanical and magnetic subsystems. For safe support of all subsystems, we design the main load-bearing system of our pod, the structural frame, or chassis. The frame carries all components and thus has to widthstand a certain amount of load. To ensure that the weight of our pod is low, we focus on lightweight design approaches in our development process.
Just like conventional trains, a Hyperloop pod also needs a rail to be guided on. However, in the Hyperloop concept, the pod is surrounded by the track to create a tube-like structure with interfaces for the magnets to attract to.
This season, the Track Team os focusing on building our first test track where we can test all the features to perfection. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and various calculations, we make sure that the system can withstand all loads even in the worst-case scenarios. This is especially important regarding the huge loads the pod interfaces, which includes not only the magnets, but also the brakes and suspension exert on the track. Additionally, many calculations and simulations were done to also reduce the weight of the track, to make transport more manageable.
Hyperloop – made in Baden-Württemberg
Looking for an opportunity to write your thesis?
As part of our new research task force to advance Hyperloop technology, you could have your own academic impact on the Hyperloop project. Write your thesis at mu-zero and benefit from the cooperation with our strong partners such as SEW Eurodrive!
Apply now!
You have two options for this: Either you apply for one of the published theses of our partners in industry, which would be in the sense of a cooperation, or you can send us a speculative application. Also check out the theses written at mu-zero in our research archive!