New design methodology for the calculation of the feed sections into which the acceleration track of a hyperloop vehicle is divided

Abstract

This paper presents the design methodology used to optimize the number of sections into which the acceleration track of a Hyperloop-type vehicle is divided. In these types of vehicles, a pre-acceleration system is necessary to reach a speed close to cruising speed before the main propulsion system can operate. For this purpose, a switched reluctance linear motor (LSRM), divided into what are called unitary machines (UMs) connected in series, is proposed along with a converter to control thrust force generated by the motor. The methodology is applied to a specific case (mission) where a mass of 250 kg needs to be accelerated over a distance of 60 m to reach a speed of 120 km/h. As a result of the proposed methodology, the number of sections into which the linear motor is divided, the number of UMs per section, and the optimal turn-on and turn-off angles of the LSRM phases are determined to achieve the target force profile.