When Fusion Meets Hyperloop: How One Breakthrough Could Power Another Overview

This past week, I wrote an article on how breakthroughs in the Nuclear Fusion industry could power the hyperloop and magnetic levitation (Maglev) train industries. 

My argument primarily concentrated on the overlap in superconductor usage between hyperloop/Electrodynamic Maglev (EDS) systems and magnetic confinement nuclear fusion systems.

EDS systems currently rely on Low Temperature Superconductors (LTS). These are well-established, but require a highly expensive coolant to operate. Fusion systems use High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) which are more expensive, and newer, but can be run for a vastly cheaper coolant ($30/liter down to $1/liter).

Through fusion's heavy investment which far outpaces hyperloop development, the price of HTS is dropping and usability is increasing. A switch from LTS to HTS in the future could drive cost reductions for these transformative rail systems.

Why did I write this? I'm part of Texas Guadaloop, an organization dedicated to hyperloop engineering here at the University of Texas. While our primary focus goes towards developing a prototype of a "pod" which will travel inside the vacuum tube, on our research teams we explore different technological advancents significant in the transportation field. If you're interested in supporting the future of hyperloop and transportation technology explore more at https://www.txguadaloop.org/!