Abstract
This paper presents the concept of one possible but unconventional implementation of a Low Pressure Tube Transport (LPTT) system for a network with station-to-station distances of 300 km, based on the use of circular tunnels in which modular vehicles consisting of three interconnected functional segments move on wheels with airless tires. The physical limitations associated with high-speed vehicle travel in tunnels are presented. The reasons for the expected inconvenience in the travel system, compensated by short travel times, are justified. Assumptions for the use of locomotion, safety, and passenger segments in the construction of a vacuum modular vehicle are presented, as well as systems to ensure the efficient conversion of serial traffic in tunnels to parallel traffic in station areas. Schemes of station construction and traffic organization in the station area are presented, as well as assumptions for a number of systems increasing the safety of vehicle traffic used in emergency situations. Visualizations of some solutions are presented. Details of the construction of a locomotive segment based on a multi-wheel system of airless wheels with the use of a system of linear motors for acceleration and an inertial drive system between them to reduce its weight are presented. Some conclusions from tests conducted on built simulators, mechanical and virtual, of the passenger segment of a vacuum vehicle are discussed.
Highlights
Low pressure tunnel transport is an interesting and competitive alternative to road transport due to the potentially very high vehicle movement speeds and significantly reduced aerodynamic drag
This paper shows how existing technical solutions can be used in the station area and in the low pressure area separated by airlocks
After considering the various requirements for low pressure tube transport (LPTT) vehicles running in long tunnels, where low pressure is maintained to dramatically reduce aerodynamic drag, and taking into account perceptions about the expectations of passengers of such vehicles and limitations of current technologies and safety considerations, it was concluded that the vehicle design should be in the form of a modular unit
Summary
Low pressure tunnel transport is an interesting and competitive alternative to road transport due to the potentially very high vehicle movement speeds and significantly reduced aerodynamic drag. The pressure level in tunnels is the main factor reducing the energy consumption for moving vehicles at very high speeds practically not possible in road transport. In this transport mode, there are a number of specific and not very widely known aerodynamic problems not present in road transport resulting from the extremely high speeds of vehicle movement in an unusual environment. Many of the presented Hyperloop concepts show the interior of a vehicle with a lot of empty space, with full freedom of movement for the people inside, giving a false impression of unexpected interior comfort [14]
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