Abstract
The Hyperloop is a concept of a ground transportation system consisting of capsules (called pods) traveling at very high-speeds in near-vacuum tubes. The hyperloop aims to be a fast, cheap, and sustainable alternative to short-haul flights and high-speed rail. The small pod size requires very high frequencies to respond to future high levels of passenger and cargo demands. Media and representatives of the emerging Hyperloop industry acclaim the Hyperloop as a very capacity-effective transport system, however there is no clear scientific evidence proving that. A theoretical investigation is therefore necessary to understand which capacity the Hyperloop could safely provide and whether that could satisfy the future transport demand. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the capacity that the Hyperloop can offer for several operational scenarios and different signalling systems, including Moving-Block and the advanced concept of Virtual Coupling. Results show that Moving-Block could achieve required transport capacity levels only if pods could use high deceleration rates likely to be unsafe and uncomfortable to passengers. Virtual Coupling is instead observed to be a more satisfactory operational concept that could address transport demand while respecting safety and comfort standards if reliable pod platooning technologies are available.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Transportation Research Board 100th Annual meeting |
Subtitle of host publication | A Virtual Event, January 2021 |
Publisher | Transportation Research Board (TRB) |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Event | TRB 100th Annual Meeting - Online due to COVID-19, Washington, United States Duration: 8 Jan 2021 → 29 Jan 2021 Conference number: 100 http://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting/AnnualMeeting.aspx |
Conference
Conference | TRB 100th Annual Meeting |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Washington |
Period | 8/01/21 → 29/01/21 |
Internet address |
Bibliographical note
Accepted Author ManuscriptKeywords
- Hyperloop capacity
- Virtual Coupling
- Moving-Block
- High-speed transport