Tube transportation systems using a gaseous mixture of air and helium

Abstract

A tubular transportation system is disclosed for transporting one or more passengers or one or more cargos via a capsule along a predetermined route. The tubular transportation system has: (1) a plurality of substantially evacuated tubes arranged along the predetermined route, where each tube is maintained at a pressure that is below atmospheric pressure; and (2) means for maintaining within each tube in the plurality of substantially evacuated tubes, a gaseous composition comprising a mixture of a first percentage, x, of helium and a second percentage, (100-x), of air, and wherein the first percentage, x, of helium is picked based on a predetermined power value and a leak rate associated with the tube.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of pipeline transportation. More specifically, the present invention relates to pipeline transportation systems using a gas mixture of air and helium. Background technique [0002] The most recent effort to develop the high-speed and efficient new form of transportation that Elon Musk calls the Hyperloop began in 2013 with the release of a technical white paper. A team of Space-X and Tesla scientists wrote the paper to define the technical advantages and engineering requirements for building such a device. [0003] Essentially, a Hyperloop is a system in which chambers are suspended in pipes at low pressure (and thus low air density). Suspension significantly reduces ground friction. Low air density significantly reduces air resistance. [0004] The white paper proposes that the aerial skateboard-supported chamber travels inside a vacuum tube with an absolute pressure of 100 Pascal (Pa) and is pr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

So, the question is: How fast can the vehicle go with a small bypass size?

Even if it exists, the resistance is insignificant due to the pressure

[0026] The disadvantage of the second solution is that the power requirements, cost and engineering required to maintain very low pressure in such a large volume are enormous

[0032] 2) does not describe the proposed method of replacing the air in the pipeline with hydrogen, and

[0033] 3) Although hydrogen is non-flammable at concentrations above 75%, there are obvious safety concerns in the event of a tube rupture that would introduce air into the tube and potentially reach a flammable or explosive ratio

However, the German patent disclosure, much like current pipeline-based transportation systems, fails to utilize a mixture of air and helium where the composition of each gas in the mixture is dynamically determined to optimize resistance

Furthermore, the German patent disclosure, much like current pipeline-based transportation systems, fails to utilize a mixture of air and helium, where the composition of each gas is dynamically determined based on the desired velocity of the chamber

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