Engineering the Future: Introducing the Innovative Hyperloop Project at Hyperloop Edinburgh (HYPED)

Introduction to HYPED

Meet HYPED, the University of Edinburgh's multi-cultural and interdisciplinary student-led Hyperloop team, passionately pioneering the future of Hyperloop technology in the UK. At HYPED, our foundation rests on three main pillars: a technical team made of several sub-teams, a research, and an outreach team. HYPED is currently the most successful Hyperloop team in the UK. Since 2021, HYPED has also co-founded and co-organized European Hyperloop Week (EHW), the largest Hyperloop event globally. Our accolades include qualifying for the 'SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition finals three times consecutively and winning the Virgin Hyperloop One Global Challenge. 

Adaptability and creativity are crucial in the fast-paced environment of Hyperloop development, a field that demands constant innovation. As trailblazers, HYPED continuously embraces this dynamic challenge, going above and beyond our capabilities. The annual EHW competition provides a thrilling stage for us to showcase our pod prototypes and incorporate new technological advancements in our subsystems.

Propulsion and Levitation Mechanism 

By collaborating across various engineering disciplines, the creation of our Hyperloop pod prototype begins to take shape. To begin, the prototype requires a means of linear propulsion, to move forward and back. This poses the first challenge as the levitating nature of the hyperloop concept discards the option to utilise conventional motors that require surface contact to propel. Our solution leads us to a key component of the hyperloop prototype which is the Linear Induction Motor (LIM), The LIM operates almost identically to a regular induction motor however instead of giving rise to rotational movement, it produces linear thrust through electromagnetic induction. Those acquainted with electrical induction machines may think that it looks somewhat similar to a stator, which is not far from the truth.  It is essentially the stator of an induction motor that has been cut down the middle and rolled flat. The track then effectively becomes the rotor and as the 3-phases of AC propagate along the coils of the LIM, opposing and attractive electromagnetic fields are induced through Faraday's law. The interaction between these fields then creates the force that pushes the pod forward without ever coming into contact with the track. HYPED has been designing our own LIM for several years now, equipped with a custom motor controller developed by our dedicated members.

The subsequent obstacle is the levitation mechanism, meant to replace the standard spring suspension system. HYPED’s solution to this is the development of a Hybrid Electromagnetic Suspension system, with the purpose of maintaining an 'equilibrium air gap' from the track. This system uses a mix of permanent magnets and electromagnets for energy-efficient levitation. 

With the implementation of the systems described, the Hyperloop prototype is now capable of propulsion. Consequently, the next step is to find a solution to halt the pod’s movement. Brake systems usually leverage the use of friction to convert linear momentum into heat, resisting the motion. Given the ultimate goal of sustainability, integrating regenerative braking into the system has been a significant breakthrough, allowing the pod to slow down efficiently and recharge the battery through electromagnetic induction. Our design process combines theoretical calculations and advanced simulations with tools like COMSOL Multiphysics and LTspice, optimising resource use and minimising unnecessary wastage. 

Cooling Systems

The Hyperloop prototype, like any other system, will produce heat despite the extensive measures taken to reduce energy loss due to heat. The prototype is expected to be able to operate in a vacuum environment - very low air pressure, resulting in air-cooling not being a viable option. The unique solution conceived by HYPED is through the use of a thermally conductive composite provided by one of our industry partners. This has allowed a cooling solution that operates in a wide range of pressure levels,  expanding well into extremely low pressures without compromising performance. 

Cutting-Edge Research and Technology Exploration

Alongside our technological developments, our research team is also constantly seeking to explore new technologies to maintain our lead, especially in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency. They've tackled the challenge of investigating the possibilities of vacuum environment maintenance by researching advanced pumps like turbomolecular, dry screw, and cryogenic vacuum pumps, moving beyond traditional vacuum pumps. Additionally, innovative ways of reducing pressure shockwaves caused by the pod’s design and speed to enhance passenger comfort have also been a focus. The investigation of these seemingly independent topics allows for an innovative approach to Hyperloop sustainability as the total energy demand of the system is dependent on both the vacuum maintenance and the drag on the pod. By determining a predicted efficiency from the vacuum pumps, as well as an optimised pod design concerning drag reduction, the research team will be able to predict an optimal vacuum strength that will minimise the overall energy demand. We utilise LaTeX for our research papers to ensure clarity and adherence to standards, offering new students valuable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Outreach Efforts

Last not but least, our outreach team plays the vital role of promoting Hyperloop technology and STEM. This is done through a variety of activities such as participating in conferences or running interactive workshops for the youth. Our members are always encouraged to take part in these events, providing them the opportunities to gain softer, more interpersonal skills, complementary to the hard skills that come with the work and effort put into the fruits of our labour. 

Conclusion: Shaping Future Engineers

HYPED comprises students from several different backgrounds and disciplines, encouraging the spirit of being united and being a part of a society that exceeds expectations. During the year, opportunities for practical work and workshops to learn and explore new platforms, software, and tools, are offered to our members. These workshops cover tools such as Solidworks CAD, Altium PCB Design, and FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics).

In the heart of Edinburgh, the HYPED team is not just engineering a piece of futuristic technology; we are crafting a learning journey steeped in innovation and collaboration. Through the challenges of designing and developing Hyperloop technology, our members acquire invaluable new skills - from technical engineering concepts and cutting-edge computational methods to interpersonal and inter-team communication with each other and other professional entities. These experiences prepare us for the challenges of the future, ensuring that we not only contribute to the evolution of sustainable transportation but also emerge as well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the industry. HYPED embodies a testament to the power of hands-on learning pushing the boundaries of what is possible and shaping the future engineers of the world.