Hyperloop is a concept that will soon become a reality. This is the transportation system proposed by billionaire Elon Musk (founder of SpaceX and electric vehicle Tesla Motors). "A hyperloop is a system of forming a tube below or above the surface of the earth that will have a special atmosphere." This particular environment may be due to vacuum or high-speed compressed air, or electromagnet.
Musk says the hyperloop could be helpful for a city with a lot of traffic. In 2013, he proposed a dissertation that outlined this and talked about the possible implications.
What are the advantages of a hyperloop?
Musk called the hyperloop the best means of transportation that would be better than "flying or driving." It will be much faster, cheaper, and safer than the current alternative. It will be weatherproof, permanent, and uninterrupted.
What is the biggest challenge, and how to overcome it?
The biggest challenge that needs to be overcome is the Kantrowitz limit. Musk describes it as the top speed law for the tube-to-pod area ratio. It means; For a vehicle moving in a tube filled with tubes, there should be a minimum distance between the tube and the walls of the vehicle. Otherwise, the system will behave like a syringe, pushing the entire air column out of the system.
The mask's purpose is to place an electric compressor fan on the capsule's nose, forcing the high-pressure air to travel from the front to the end of the vehicle. This will reduce friction.
Musk's Hyperloop conceptual design sketch:
What will it cost?
The estimated cost of a hyperloop is up to several billion dollars. The Hyperloop capsule will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. There are advantages to making tubes instead of railways, such as no need for the fence, it is less noisy and can be made on pylons. Therefore, the value of the land purchased can be reduced.
How will it be run?
Musk says the solar panels will be placed on top of the tube, providing enough power to drive vehicles. Elon Musk is partnering with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies to make this a reality.