It's no secret that more needs to be done to combat climate change. One way to help reduce emissions is by investing in next-generation travel technologies like the Hyperloop. Transportation was responsible for about 27% of global emissions in 2020, and that contribution is only going to grow as the population continues to expand. But what if it could be taken a step further and use renewable energy to power these new modes of transport? Recently, a team of engineers announced they are working on a solar farm that would power the Hyperloop with clean energy. Could this be the solution to fossil fuel-powered transport?

Source: Naeblys/Adobe stock

What is the Hyperloop?

Invented by Elon Musk, the Hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system that could potentially revolutionize travel. The concept involves propelling passengers or cargo through a low-pressure tube at speeds of up to 700 mph. The system would be powered by magnets and use air bearings to levitate and move vehicles through the tube, resulting in a frictionless environment. Theoretically, this could allow for travel times between major cities that are significantly shorter than what is possible with current transportation methods.

Musk first proposed the idea for the Hyperloop in 2013, and since then multiple companies have been working on developing the technology. In 2017, Hyperloop One completed the first successful test of the system, reaching speeds of up to 192 mph. While the technology is still in its early stages of development, the potential applications of the Hyperloop are significant. If successfully commercialized, it could change the way humans travel both domestically and internationally.

What are the advantages of the Hyperloop?

The Hyperloop transport system is predicted to be able to travel from Los Angeles, California, to San Francisco, California, in just 35 minutes. This new form of transportation boasts a number of advantages over current methods, including cost, comfort and speed.

Cost is always a major consideration when planning any trip. The Hyperloop system is estimated to be much cheaper than either flying or taking the train. When factoring in the time saved by not having to go through security lines or deal with traffic, the Hyperloop becomes an even more appealing option.

Comfort is another important consideration, especially for longer trips. The Hyperloop pods are designed to be spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for luggage and personal belongings. There will also be a food and drink service available on board, so passengers can relax and enjoy the journey.

Speed is, of course, the major selling point of the Hyperloop system. The pods are predicted to reach speeds of up to 700 mph, making the journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the aforementioned 35 minutes. This would revolutionize travel, making it possible to live in one city and work in another without having to deal with long commutes.

How will the Hyperloop be solar powered?

Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. And the Hyperloop, could be a perfect match for solar power. Musk has said that he envisions the Hyperloop as a "solar-powered" system, and it seems like a natural fit. After all, what could be more sustainable than a transportation system that runs on renewable energy?

There are a few different ways that solar power could be used to power the Hyperloop. One possibility is that the system could be powered by photovoltaic panels, which would convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity could then be used to power the pumps that propel the pods through the system.

Another possibility is that concentrated solar power could be used. In this case, mirrors would be used to concentrate sunlight onto a central point, where it would be converted into heat. This heat could then be used to generate electricity, which would power the pumps.

The most likely solution for the Hyperloop system would be for it to be powered by solar panels placed atop the tubes. These solar arrays could generate enough energy to power the entire system, with a possible area of 14 ft (4.25 m) wide for more than 350 miles (563 km).

At peak solar activity, such a large area of solar arrays would produce up to 382,000 hp (285 MW) of energy. This energy would be stored as compressed air that in turn would run an electric fan, in reverse, to produce energy.

This would be the linear accelerator that powers the Hyperloop system.

In order to make this happen, a lot of solar panels would need to be installed, which would be a challenge in itself. But if it could be done, it would be an incredible feat of engineering and a major step forward for sustainable transportation.

Is the Hyperloop the future?

Decarbonizing the travel industry is no small feat, but Hyperloop technology presents a promising solution. By understanding what the Hyperloop is and how it works, it can be seen how this next-generation transportation method could help achieve the Earth’s important decarbonization goals. Additionally, by powering hyperloop systems with renewable energy sources like solar power, their environmental impact can be further reduced.

What do you think? Is next gen travel the answer to decarbonization? Will Hyperloop systems become common in our solar powered future? Let Engineering360 know in the comments below.