Analysis and modelling of performances of the HL (Hyperloop) transport system

Kees Van Goeverden,Rob Konings,Dimitris Milakis,Milan Janic

doi:10.1186/s12544-018-0312-x

Kees Van Goeverden, Rob Konings + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-018-0312-x

Copy DOI

Abstract

IntroductionHyperloop (HL) is presented as an efficient alternative of HSR (High Speed Rail) and APT (Air Passenger Transport) systems for long-distance passenger transport. This paper explores the performances of HL and compares these performances to HSR and APT.MethodsThe following performances of the HL system are analytically modeled and compared to HSR and APT: (i) operational performance; (ii) financial performance; (iii) social/environmental performance.ResultsThe main operational result is that the capacity of HL is low which implies a low utilization of the infrastructure. Because the infrastructure costs dominate the total costs, the costs per passenger km are high compared to those for HSR and APT. The HL performs very well regarding the social/environmental aspects because of low energy use, no GHG emissions and hardly any noise. The safety performance needs further consideration.ConclusionsThe HL system is promising for relieving the environmental pressure of long-distance travelling, but has disadvantages regarding the operational and financial performances.

Highlights

Hyperloop (HL) is presented as an efficient alternative of HSR (High Speed Rail) and APT (Air Passenger Transport) systems for long-distance passenger transport
The increasing dominance of air transport has enlarged the environmental impacts of long-distance transport and this trend is expected to continue in the decades [2, 3]
This paper aims at filling in this gap in the literature by exploring the operational, financial, and social/environmental performances of the HL system and comparing them with those of the HSR and APT system

Summary

Results

The main operational result is that the capacity of HL is low which implies a low utilization of the infrastructure. Because the infrastructure costs dominate the total costs, the costs per passenger km are high compared to those for HSR and APT. The HL performs very well regarding the social/environmental aspects because of low energy use, no GHG emissions and hardly any noise.

Conclusions

Introduction