A hyperloop segment to test passenger operation

Join us on our journey writing the future of mobility

Welcome to the third issue of Building a Passenger Hyperloop! Every fortnight we will offer you a glimpse into our journey of building Europe’s first passenger-size hyperloop test segment. We will be sharing exclusive insights about our technology, the impact hyperloop will have on future passenger transportation, and unique behind-the-scenes content.

Dive into our hyperloop demonstrator technology

Our hyperloop demonstrator is the first segment of an extensive testing strategy, intended for developing and certifying core hyperloop systems and technologies. It includes a full-scale concrete vacuum tube and a passenger-size pod vehicle.

The concrete tube

One of the characteristic elements of a hyperloop is the near-vacuum the pod travels in. The elimination of air resistance enables ultra high-speed travel with minimal energy consumption. Our demonstrator brings this vision into the first segment. 

The 24-meter-long and 4-meter-wide concrete structure is designed to maintain a vacuum within a large volume, serving as an ideal test environment for hyperloop operations. In addition, the segment integrates the guideway, which houses all track elements required for the contactless movement of our passenger vehicle.

Reinforced concrete — One look is all you need to tell our tube apart thanks to its distinguishing high-performance concrete exterior. Compared to the widely-used steel tubes, reinforced concrete comes with a wide range of benefits. It allows for better absorption of vibrations during operation, reducing the risk of long-term structural damage while enabling quieter travel. 

Looking to the future, this decision will emerge as the most cost-effective, durable, and long-lasting solution for a full-size hyperloop system spanning across borders and nations.

Segment structure — In order to build a structure of this size, the tube called for a unique approach that balances modularity with durability. 

Our team developed a design that consists of six individual segments which can be produced in individual parts and then connected on site using 42 tensioned steel wires, to form an airtight structure. Together with the strong compressive forces from the wires, custom-produced sealing rings between the segments create a vacuum-proof seal.

Guideway element — At the heart of our vacuum tube lies the guideway element, a vital component that spans the tube’s entire length. This element houses the core systems for propulsion, guidance, and levitation.

While the propulsion track generates a traveling magnetic field to push the pod along, the guidance and levitation rails are used by the vehicle to keep the vehicle on track in mid-air. Produced to the highest precision, the element ensures a comfortable and smooth ride for passengers.

The operation control station

The operation control station is the central hub where all components of the demonstrator system are overseen and managed. This is where all the information is gathered, decisions are made, and commands are issued. It's the brain of our hyperloop, providing instant access to real-time data from sensors throughout the system. 

Next to the central control room, isolated units also house our power supply and high-performance vacuum pumps. Along with controlling the vacuum and power systems, the control room ensures that our testing proceeds flawlessly and provides crucial feedback on the demonstrator’s performance.

Vacuum system — Our vacuum container houses the high-performance pumps to generate the partial vacuum inside the tube. These pumps are connected to the tube’s end cap, evacuating air from the tube to generate an operating pressure of 10 millibar inside. As such, this demonstrator integrates and tests the vacuum technology later used for future commercial tracks. 

Our system efficiently achieves a vacuum state in the tube within 70 minutes. It additionally has the capability to repressurize and restore normal atmospheric conditions in under a minute, meeting the high safety standards required for certification.

Power supply and electronics — Our energy supply is the critical powerhouse behind the demonstrator. It provides and distributes the required energy to the various subsystems, including vacuum pumps, levitation and propulsion systems.

Notably, almost 60 percent of the power is allocated to our propulsion system to accelerate the pod. However, during deceleration, we are able to recover a significant amount of the expended energy, making our system highly energy-efficient.

Upcoming project milestones

Shortly we will be presenting Europe's first operational hyperloop segment with pod vehicle in passenger size to the public in our rollout event. The event will offer a glimpse into what hyperloop technology will look like and offers passenger the unique opportunity to experience the feeling of travelling with this new mode of transport in the future.

Stay tuned for our event and next issue, we will be having a lot of exciting news to share!