Hyperloop
Elon Musk's Latest Endeavor |
Elon Musk's pursuit of clean and efficient modes of transportation does not stop with the Tesla. Dubbed "The world's next breakthrough in transportation", the Hyperloop Train is his most recent undertaking. Although still in the works, Elon envisions a high-speed train system traveling directly from Los Angeles to San Francisco, California, and adjacent to the Interstate 5. Additionally, Elon imagines this train be immune to weather, never crash, maintain an average speed twice as fast as a typical commercial jet. The Hyperloop train is expected to travel around 600 mph, and can reach top speeds of mach 1. Elon also stresses that this design is open source, and free for anyone to modify or improve. An organization named Hyperloop Transportation Technologies has already begun development of the train, independent from Elon Musk. Elon hopes someday to create an entire network of Hyperloop trains that extends as far north as Seattle, and as far south as Miami.
|
How it Works |
The Hyperloop operates similar to maglev trains seen in Japan. The main difference between the two is that rather than using magnets to raise the train, the Hyperloop uses compressed air to create a cushion between the pod skis and the rails. To eliminate friction, the pods will run inside a low pressure, metal tube raised above ground so as to prevent disturbances with the environment. The train runs entirely on solar energy and has the ability to store excess energy generated by solar panels.
|
In-depth Explanation
The Future of Hyperloop
|
Elon envisions a transportation revolution with his Hyperloop train, he sees it as the fifth major mode of getting from here to there (train, plane, car, ship). To truly make this vision a reality, Elon strongly encourages independent organizations to take on the project themselves. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is an organization of engineers and and experts independent of Elon Musk. Its founder, Dirk Ahlborn, recruited top engineers and experts from Spacex and Boeing to volunteer their time to aid in the planning of the futuristic train system. Elon hopes someday the Hyperloop train will connect American commuters in a fast and exciting network of pods moving at the speed of sound.
|