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 propulsion. The design of the aerodynamic shell therefore has to meet certain requirements. Not only the characteristics of the surrounding air, but also the weight of this component must be taken into account. We believe, that a scientific based aerodynamic development is a key factor for advancing the Hyperloop concept.
In our Aerodynamics Team, we conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to limit the aerodynamic drag of our pod. The image shows the velocity distribution (how fast the air travels around the body) as well as the stream lines for an initial design iteration. After the design optimization is finished, manufacturing must be carefully planned. Using advanced fiber reinforced polymers, we’re able to manufacture in-house lightweight solutions.
Our Cooling Team covers cooling of all major heat sources in the pod, especially the Linear Induction Motor (LIM) as well as Power Electronics. Taking the requirements of a vacuum environment into account, a closed cooling system is developed by the team.
As one main task, we design our own heat exchanger for the LIM to adapt to our requirements perfectly. This allows for longer operation periods of the pod and ensures high performance of the propulsion system.
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 Propulsion Team develops the Linear Induction Motor (LIM) and power systems that enable contactless acceleration and decceleration of the pod.
The Linear Induction Motor functions like an asychronous motor that is rolled out flat. By applying the needed current and the correct frequency, a thurst force is generated, accelerating the pod to it’s maximum velocity. The LIM is also used for braking, but recuperation is currently not possible.
The power is provided by a highly efficient power electroncis unit. The three phase inverter, also used for rotational mashines, controls the amount of power directed to the motor reaching 60kW peak during maximum acceleration.
The needed energy is stored in the high voltage battery which is designed using power dense Li-Ion cells. With a maximum voltage of 588V, the battery must safely and reliably deliver the needed power. To keep the pod safe at all times, the team develops a high voltage control system, that isolates the battery if any error occurs.
Members in the Propulsion team work on various tasks like electromagnetic simulations, designing control systems in Simulink, PCB design as well CAD design and the physical assembly and integration of all components in the Propulsion 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, hydraulic and pneumatic 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.
Our Guidance System is the only system that is permanently in physical contact with the rail. High loads induced by bumps and joining tolerances of the rail have to be intercepted by our design. Furthermore the Guidance System stabilizes the pod in lateral direction and prevents it from roll and yaw rotation. To ensure space between our LIM and the rail as well as carry the pods weight, the Guidance Systems suspension is used.
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 linear brake needs to deliver large actuation forces reliably. Multiple factors of redundancy are built into the design from ground up alongside an innovative wedge mechanism for self-energisation. Structural and thermal analysis are an essential part of our work to ensure heat and forces are distributed efficiently and safely.
Further research_
Demonstrator
The demonstrator division focuses on the development of an Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) for a separate prototype beside the usual Hyperloop pod. With an iterative approach, the team develops multiple prototypes each with improvements and lessons learned over the previous one. The main goal of this research project is the gain of knowledge and testing of the suspension concept. This is intended to be implemented in the Season III pod.
Further research_
C³ - Continuous Development, Integration and Testing
The C³ team aims to bring software practices of CI/CD to the engineering development process. The build-up of a custom framework should help developers of other projects to automate tedious tasks and improve the reliability and robustness of their systems.
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!