The University of Edinburgh has recently hosted a global gathering focused on Hyperloop, a potentially groundbreaking mode of transportation that has the capacity to revolutionise our travel methods.
Named the transportation system of tomorrow, Hyperloop envisions an ultra-high-speed method of travel where cylindrical pods carrying passengers and cargo could reach speeds of approximately 600-700mph.
Engineered to minimise aerodynamic resistance and enhance fuel efficiency, this system strives to present an ecologically conscious substitute for existing transportation methods. The pods utilise magnetic levitation to hover just above the track, enabling frictionless gliding within near-vacuum tubes and eliminating the deceleration caused by friction.
According to UK government figures, transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions, producing almost a quarter of the UK’s total emissions in 2020.
The Hyperloop student team at the University of Edinburgh, known as HYPED, has joined forces with a global initiative dedicated to advancing the Hyperloop concept into practical implementation.
Between 17-23rd July 2023, Edinburgh students hosted European Hyperloop Week (EHW) at the Nucleus on the King’s Buildings campus, where 24 top international student Hyperloop teams gathered from countries including India, America, Norway, and Turkey. Edinburgh students co-founded the event with other European university teams including Delft Hyperloop, Swissloop and Hyperloop UPV.
This yearly event serves as a platform for individuals involved in the technology to convene and engage in friendly competition, establish connections, and exchange innovative concepts.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in various activities, culminating in a demonstration day held on July 22nd, 2023. During this event, teams showcased their most recent pod prototypes and conducted trials on custom-designed tracks constructed on the university campus.
HYPED’s new prototype was named Pod Ness, in honour of the Loch Ness monster.
The week ended with a public outreach day on the Mound, on Sunday 23rd July 2023, where the teams talked to visitors of all ages about the potential of Hyperloop, and the benefits of studying STEM subjects.
Gregory Dayao, President of HYPED, said: “I commend the team for their hard work they have put in leading up to EHW. In addition to presenting their latest research paper and technical prototype, the team networked with other student teams and industry representatives by sharing ideas of the future of the transport. EHW is meant to foster innovation through collaboration, and the team is high-spirited after a week which brought their minds together to shape plans for the next season.”
Head of the School of Engineering, Professor Conchúr Ó Brádaigh said: “The School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh was very proud to host European Hyperloop Week this year and would like to congratulate our own HYPED team for how well they did in the competitions. It was fantastic to see such an array of futuristic hardware, engineering, scientific and business skills on display from students in 20 countries across the globe.
“We thank all the competitors for coming to spend the week (and more) at the University’s King’s Buildings and I would like to express my particular thanks to all the students and staff of the College of Science and Engineering who volunteered to help organise the event. Everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to next year already.”
Participating teams were honoured with awards acknowledging the excellence of their prototype pods across various categories such as mechanics, traction and guidance, sensing, controls, and electrical systems. In addition, overarching accolades were granted to acknowledge exceptional contributions in both the technical and socio-economic dimensions of the Hyperloop project.
Pod Ness was a top four finalist in awards for electrical subsystems, and a full-scale award for technical contributions to the advancement of Hyperloop. In the latter category, the Edinburgh team were commended for their study on the integration and performance of vacuum pumps and airlocks in a Hyperloop system.
HYPED
The HYPED team from Edinburgh stands out as a prominent player among university teams dedicated to advancing Hyperloop technology within the United Kingdom. It serves as a fertile ground for students to confront the intricate technical hurdles associated with creating a functional Hyperloop pod from the ground up. Commencing with their inaugural pod prototype in 2017, HYPED has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive community, comprising approximately 130 students hailing from various disciplines across the university. This diverse group encompasses engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists, all contributing their expertise to the initiative.
They also recently built the UK’s first Hyperloop test track at the University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings – a 100-metre-long aluminium rail, which will allow them to test and improve their prototype pod designs before future competitions.
The team runs regular outreach events to inspire school children and the members of the public about Hyperloop technology, and STEM subjects more widely.
European Hyperloop Week: Awards in full
- Mechanical Subsystem Award
- Winner – Delft Hyperloop
- Electrical Subsystem Award Winner – Swissloop HYPED as Top four finalist (Pod Ness)
- Sense and Control Subsystem Award
- Winner – Swissloop
- HYPED – Top six finalist (Pod Ness)
- Traction Subsystem Award
- Winner – Swissloop
- Guiding Subsystem Award
- Winner – mu-zero Hyperloop
- Complete System Award
- Winner – Swissloop
- Full-Scale Award – Technical Aspects of Hyperloop Systems
- Winner – Delft Hyperloop
- HYPED – Top four finalist for their research paper on the integration and performance of vacuum pumps and airlocks in a Hyperloop system
- Full-Scale Award – Socio-Economic Aspects of Hyperloop Development
- Winner – Delft Hyperloop
