Press Release - HYPED (University of Edinburgh)

HYPED today announced significant development in technology related to the Hyperloop concept, a proposed network of near-vacuum steel tubes to transport humans and cargo in magnetically levitating pods. Such innovations bring the distant Hyperloop dream (and the often-quoted 45 minute Edinburgh to London journey times) a step closer.
The team, comprising of engineering and science students from the University of Edinburgh, work hard each year to design and manufacture cutting-edge technology and this year announced three novel and innovative designs, each of which has been the centrepiece of a thesis.

LIMs
Arguably the most innovative technological development this year was the newly-designed Linear Induction Motors (LIMs), a critical component in the propulsion system. LIMs provide the force required to propel the pod at ultra-high speeds. They do this without making direct contact with any part of the infrastructure and instead use strong electromagnetic forces, allowing for a hyper- efficient propulsion system with effectively zero friction.
HYPED made serious progress with asynchronous motors this year, removing the need for a rotating rotor which had previously limited the maximum speed. LIMs with multiple poles help achieve maximum thrust and efficiency, whilst reducing the static end-effects. Improving the efficiency again makes an even stronger case for the environmental benefits of Hyperloop. A complex modular power system supplies these motors. By separating the power source from the series connection components, HYPED have ensured minimum risk for those working on the project.

Chassis
Great innovation was demanded from our chassis team this year. Accommodating for the powerful LIMs required an ultra-strong chassis without compromising on weight.
This year's team achieved a chassis that measured 1.5m in length but weighed just 15kg. To minimise environmental impact, HYPED re-used leftover material from last year's chassis. Implementing a sandwich structure of Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates around an aluminium honeycomb core had worked very well in the past. However, due to the large forces of attraction created by the newly improved LIMs, additional stiffening was required in the form of composite panels. Attaching the panels presented a new challenge for the HYPED team; finding a structural adhesive. Epoxies and polyurethanes are typically used but HYPED's bold engineers opted instead for a methacrylate adhesive. Commendably, the team even achieved a 33.2% weight reduction even with the composite panels added. This resulted in a strong and lightweight structure, making yet another impressive leap in Hyperloop technology.

Magnetic Braking System
Improving the safety features of Hyperloop plays an important part in the realisation of this mode of transport in the future. It was therefore imperative to develop a reliable braking system. The primary system of symmetric, magnetic brakes developed this year ensure a strong and efficient braking force in a very compact system.
Magnets attached to a moving Hyperloop pod will generate a magnetic field that changes relative to the conductive aluminium I-beam. This will induce an opposing magnetic field in the rail that will oppose the pod's motion and decelerate it. This low environmental-impact brake system avoids production of fine particulates during the braking process by removing all direct contact and using magnetic forces instead. A secondary system of friction brakes is in place for low speeds where magnetic breaking is less effective.

These announcements come as HYPED transitions to a new leadership team for the 2020/21 period. Ewa Radzanowska, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Edinburgh, was elected as president in April. She will be joined by Gregory Dayao, Stella Antonogiannaki, Liam Mason and Ella Ritchie in leading and continuing the exceptional progress made this year. They set out to create a "nurturing and hardworking environment in which members feel welcomed in the community; challenged and excited about their work."

HYPED's resources are more recently being used to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3D printers now producing protective face shields to ensure those on the frontline are not exposed to the virus. HYPED continues to innovate and accelerate the development of Hyperloop remotely, bringing team members together online from across the world.

HYPED recognises the following pivotal members in the development of this technology; Rafael Anderka, Marcos Andr?s Malvar Aguirre, Linda Di Felice, Jamie McIlveen, Callum Patersons, Brano Plinian, Luisa Schrempf, Piotr Toka, Neil Weidinger and Alexander White.

HYPED Edinburgh
School of Engineering
The University of Edinburgh
King's Buildings Campus
EH9 3JL

Please contact our marketing team via email at team@hyp-ed.com

HYPED address the demand for environmentally friendly high-speed transport. Comprising of students from the University of Edinburgh, HYPED develop technology and publish research on the Hyperloop concept, a proposed network of near-vacuum steel tubes to transport humans and cargo in magnetically levitating pods. HYPED also undertake STEM outreach activities across the globe, educating and inspiring a new generation of engineers and scientists to help realise the Hyperloop dream.
The HYPED team is funded by the University of Edinburgh and select partners with shared interest in the Hyperloop concept.

This release was published on openPR.