Sustainable solar-powered hyperloop concept unveiled

Credit: MAD Architects

HyperloopTT has revealed a new solar- and wind-powered concept for hyperloop, designed by Chinese architectural firm MAD.

MAD was commissioned to conceive a versatile pylon design that could act as structural support, but that could also easily be integrated across diverse environments, from a city landscape to rural farmland or remote desert.

The pylon design is said to minimise the system’s physical footprint by lifting its functions almost 7 meters above ground. This eliminates the possibility of collision with road traffic, which decreases the cost of land acquisition. Sustainability is further emphasised through the possibility of urban farming; the base of each pylon is designed to host crop-growing facilities.

The company is also looking to establish a renewed connection between people and their city through car-free green walkways along the roof of tunnels, as well as activation spaces below in the form of parks and recreation areas.

Credit: MAD Architects.

In the design, the transportation tunnels are outfitted with bendable solar panel skin modules that are used to power the Hyperloop system, along with solar powered LEDs installed along its surface that function as interactive information boards. Bladeless wind turbine forests positioned at sections of the system would harness wind energy, creating a main source of power for the transportation network, lowering overall energy costs. 

MAD has stated that HyperloopTT is planning to hold trials with full-scale passenger capsules in 2020.

Founded in 2013, HyperloopTT has been focusing on the development of innovative solutions for some of the world’s major urban problems: overcrowding, traffic congestion and pollution. By designing a low-pressure, high-speed sustainable tube-based transportation system, it aims to connect people and cities at extremely high speeds.