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| Hyperloop Transportation Technologies capsule. Source: NBC News (Creative Commons License). |
How Does Hyperloop Work?
While Elon Musk is seemingly the creator of the idea that is Hyperloop, his company is not the only one actively working on the technology. For example, Virgin Hyperloop, controlled by Musk’s billionaire friend, Richard Branson, is also developing a Hyperloop prototype.
The race is on for the company that will bring Hyperloop to the market. However, while these companies jostle for pole position, you might have some questions about the Hyperloop, like, what modes will the Hyperloop be deployed, and will the Hyperloop always be underground?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
How is Hyperloop Deployed?
Hyperloop can work either on the ground or underneath. When the system is above the ground, the pods will move within a tube with most of the air sucked out. However, when Hyperloop is underground, the pods will belt through tunnels at high speeds. Like in the tube above the ground, most of the air will be pumped out of the tunnel to reduce friction.
While Elon Musk is seemingly the creator of the idea that is Hyperloop, his company is not the only one actively working on the technology. For example, Virgin Hyperloop, controlled by Musk’s billionaire friend, Richard Branson, is also developing a Hyperloop prototype.
The race is on for the company that will bring Hyperloop to the market. However, while these companies jostle for pole position, you might have some questions about the Hyperloop, like, what modes will the Hyperloop be deployed, and will the Hyperloop always be underground?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
How is Hyperloop Deployed?
Hyperloop can work either on the ground or underneath. When the system is above the ground, the pods will move within a tube with most of the air sucked out. However, when Hyperloop is underground, the pods will belt through tunnels at high speeds. Like in the tube above the ground, most of the air will be pumped out of the tunnel to reduce friction.
When underground, Hyperloop can have as many stations as possible because they do not have to be large and there is far less infrastructure to contend with than there is above ground. Access to the pods is through lifts that travel from the surface of the earth to the pods that lie underground.
Some people have raised concerns about dizziness when riding inside the speedy pods, but Hyperloop companies have said their designs take care of such scenarios.
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| Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Tunnel. Source: Leonard by VINCI (Creative Commons License). |
Hyperloop can transport both humans and cargo. However, with human passengers, consideration has to be given to the psychological effect of spending time inside a tunnel. Some people have raised concerns about dizziness when riding inside the speedy pods, but Hyperloop companies have said their designs take care of such scenarios.
When is Best to Deploy Hyperloop?
The high speeds of Hyperloop make it ideal for medium to long routes between large metropolitan areas. The industry consensus is Hyperloop is best between approximately 125 miles and 925 miles (200 km and 1,500 km).
Hyperloop integrates very well into existing mobility landscapes and hubs.
What Types of Hyperloops Are There?
Apart from The Boring Company and Virgin Hyperloop, Transpod and Hyperloop Transport Technologies (HTT) are working on Hyperloop. While each of them uses a slightly different approach, the basic principles remain the same.
When is Best to Deploy Hyperloop?
The high speeds of Hyperloop make it ideal for medium to long routes between large metropolitan areas. The industry consensus is Hyperloop is best between approximately 125 miles and 925 miles (200 km and 1,500 km).
Hyperloop integrates very well into existing mobility landscapes and hubs.
What Types of Hyperloops Are There?
Apart from The Boring Company and Virgin Hyperloop, Transpod and Hyperloop Transport Technologies (HTT) are working on Hyperloop. While each of them uses a slightly different approach, the basic principles remain the same.