While the validity of a functioning commercial hyperloop remains a topic of much debate, companies are continuing to develop the technology as a potential fifth mode of transportation.
To that end, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) has started work on what it claims is the first commercial hyperloop system in Italy.
The first step is the establishment of a joint venture — called Hyper Builders — with Italian industrial companies Webuild and Leonardo after HyperloopTT won a bid on the tender issued by the Venetian Motorway Concession (CAV) to build a hyperloop prototype on a section between Venice-Mestre and Padua, Italy.
That contract was signed by CAV and Webuild that kicked off the hyperloop project, called Hyper Transfer. The project is designed to help reduce traffic, decrease traditional transport times and energy consumption, improve road safety and help with interconnections between transport systems and smart cities in the Venice area.
The project will be rolled out in various phases beginning with a feasibility and environmental study with Webuild, an Italian engineering contractor, and Leonardo, an Italian aerospace, defense and security vendor, developing the actual connection between the cities.
HyperloopTT said the Hyper Transfer will be built in phases, starting with a feasibility and environmental study. And then the system will be expandable to fully connect the cities of Venice and Padua.
What is a hyperloop
Hyperloop is a tube-based transportation system designed to move people and cargo. It can transport at speeds as fast as aircraft but safely, efficiently and sustainability.
Hyperloop technology uses magnetic levitation to lift a pod off the track and guide it as it moves, creating a friction-free track. Almost all the air in the tube surrounding the pod is removed to create the same environment found at 200,000 ft above sea level. The combination of the linear motor, magnetic levitation and low-pressure tube reduces drag so that only a small amount of electricity is needed to propel the pod at speeds as high as 670 mph. This could potentially create a more cost-effective system than high-speed rail or airline transportation.
(Learn more about magnets on GlobalSpec.com)
The technology is not only ultra-fast but is reportedly energy-efficient and completely carbon dioxide-neutral. This combination is one of the reasons the hyperloop has gained attention in the transportation market as countries look for new ways to meet carbon footprint requirements while providing new ways of traveling for consumers.
However, the technology has come under scrutiny as companies, governments and organizations question whether it can be used effectively or ever come to fruition.
