Hyperloop is coming of age: 'Hyperloops with people within 10 years'

In ten years' time, will we be zooming en masse through futuristic tubes from Amsterdam to Paris within 30 minutes? If it were up to the 39 students of Delft Hyperloop, yes. The TU Delft team has been working for almost six months on a new version of the hyperloop, one of the most promising means of transport of the future.  

Register for the presentation

For those who don't know yet: the hyperloop is a kind of super-fast train (called a 'pod') that floats to its destination through a vacuum tube. Once the technology is fully developed, speeds of 1000 to 1200 kilometers per hour will be achievable. “Unique to the hyperloop is that the pod is not powered by fuel but by magnets,” says Team Captain Cem Celikbas. “Electromagnetic fields from copper coils cause the vehicle to float a few millimeters above the surface of the tube and start moving. A cheap, efficient and sustainable way to cover great distances.”

Secure and scalable
The idea of the hyperloop comes from the world's most mediagenic technologist, Elon Musk, who published a white paper about it in 2013. Since then, hyperloops have been worked on all over the world. Celikbas and his colleague Eva Hagen, Partnership Manager at Delft Hyperloop, suspect that the first hyperloop ride with people will take place between 2030 and 2035. Hagen: “The hyperloop we are developing is too small to transport people, but that is not our goal. We want to take the pod to a higher technological level, make it safer and promote scalability.”

Adult
The hyperloop is maturing. It is no longer just a promising science fiction idea from an eccentric American, but a realistic and affordable alternative to, for example, polluting short-haul flights. “When the first hyperloop competitions took place at SpaceX ten years ago, everything was about speed,” Hagen continues. “Now you see that the focus is much more on manufacturability and sustainability. Ultimately, everyone wants the hyperloop to become a mainstream means of transportation for ordinary citizens. That is why we not only look at the technology, but also at the (development) costs and social acceptance. People must understand the importance of the hyperloop, so that they also want to use it in the future.”

Design reveal
And that future could be closer than many people think, because technological developments surrounding the hyperloop are moving quickly. The students therefore consciously choose not to continue building on the existing pods of their predecessors, but to design and develop a completely new pod every year. Celikbas: “Of course we use the knowledge of our predecessors, but we are building our own hyperloop. Many 'old' team members remain involved in the project because they are proud of it. They give advice or think about practical problems.” Hagen adds: “Despite the challenges, we are right on schedule. On February 27th the design reveal where we reveal our plans and goals.”

Pod secrets
At this time, Hagen is not allowed to say anything about the revelations, but during the D&E event on March 20, the students are happy to share their 'pod secrets' with the public. The Hyperloop Team will be present with a stand and Celikbas will give a presentation about the Hyperloop VIII together with his colleague Guus Backelandt. Naturally, the students will display a pod on the exhibition floor. “The first tests are in full swing,” says Celikbas. “We first test all individual systems separately and in three weeks we will hold a full pod test. Our ultimate goal is to participate in the European Hyperloop Week in Zurich in July where student teams from all over the world will compete for the prize for the best hyperloop.”

Multiple prizes
The bar is high, as previous teams have won several prizes during international hyperloop competitions, including first prize during the very first SpaceX competition in Los Angeles, organized by Musk. “We do feel that pressure,” Hagen admits. “The Netherlands is one of the frontrunners. The teams from Zurich and Valencia are our main competitors, but we are determined to maintain our top position. We are going for gold.”

This ambitious mentality characterizes the students who often work on 'their' hyperloop until the early hours. “There are many challenges, but it is also very fun and enjoyable. There is great solidarity between the team members. In addition, we receive a lot of support from former team members and partners who have more experience than us with the technology,” concludes Celikbas.

Register for the presentation
Do you want to see the hyperloop with your own eyes? Then come to the D&E event on March 20 at Congrescenturm 1931 in Den Bosch. Celikbas and Backenlandt are plenary speakers and will start their presentation at 9:30 am. You can register free of charge via the event site. It is also possible to talk to the students at their stand on the exhibition floor.