Assessing Hyperloop Transport Optimizing Cost with Different Designs of Capsule

Abstract

Hyperloop technology is a transport mode designed to move passengers anywhere in the world, using electric propulsion to carry passengers through a vacuum/near-vacuum tube for a maximum speed of 1200 km/h. Given this, governments, engineers, researchers, and billionaires have been racing over the past years to obtain the first operational system in the world off the ground and bring it from concept to reality. The paper aimed to maximize the capacity of the Hyperloop’s capsule and identify a suitable design of Hyperloop technology based on the different capacities and speeds of the capsules as well as the assumptions of the initial annual demand. Additionally, significant attention will be paid to the interior design of the capsules in which people travel to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. The design will be conducted in AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit models based on the allocation of different components such as capacity, compressor fan, batteries, compressor motor, etc. The Hyperloop is powered by solar panels located on the top of the tube, which will allow the capsule to generate more energy based on its capacity than it needs to run. The optimizing cost of each design of the Hyperloop’s capsule will be considered using an MS Excel sheet. As a result, the Hyperloop capsule with a lower capacity (28 seats) has the highest value of optimizing cost due to the number of acquired capsules (38) compared to 25 capsules and 16 capsules for medium- and high-capacity capsules, respectively. The total annual cost of the Hyperloop’s capsules with different capacities of 28, 40, and 50 seats is EUR 5.6 million, EUR 5.5 million, and EUR 6.2 million, respectively, which is determined through the sum of the purchasing cost, operating cost and maintenance cost of capsules.