Power Supply Solution for Ultrahigh Speed Hyperloop Trains

Abstract

The paper analyses the alternatives for the power supply of a Hyperloop type railway

transport. The particular case of the technology of the Spanish company ZELEROS was studied.

Based on previous technical specifications related to both the first prototype and a commercial

system, different options were analyzed. We selected the use of a linear motor driven by a single

power electronic converter, a distribution scheme comprising different sections along the acceleration

area of the track, and an energy storage system based on supercapacitors for the energy supply.

The power/energy ratio and the cycle capability are the reasons to become a feasible and competitive

solution. A preliminary design methodology for the energy storage requirements is presented in the

paper. Once the type of linear motor was selected, the power supply scheme was presented, based on

a motor-side power electronic converter and a DC/DC converter which connects to the energy storage

devices. An additional low power grid-tie converter for the recharge of the energy storage system

was also used. Different track sections were defined, connected to the power electronic converter

through corresponding switches, being supplied sequentially when the capsule presence is detected

along the track. The particular characteristics of this application, with relatively short traction track

area, as well as the high energy recuperation ratio due to the low losses, make more suitable the use

of energy storage systems as the source of power supply than the direct connection to the grid.