Turbo Compressor Evacuation for Hyperloop Volume Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum pumping systems are inefficient and costly when reducing pressure from ambient to a partial vacuum, requiring excessive electrical power and time due to their inefficiency at near-ambient pressures, which is a challenge for large volume applications like the hyperloop system.
Innovation Solution
A turbo compressor system is used to rapidly reduce pressure from ambient to an intermediate level, followed by a conventional vacuum pumping system to achieve the target partial vacuum, with the turbo compressor system being powered by combustion of fuel to minimize electrical power consumption and installation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional vacuum pumping systems are used to reduce pressure from ambient to partial vacuum, then the vacuum can be achieved, but the electrical power consumption becomes excessive and the process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping process is divided into two distinct phases: an initial rapid evacuation phase using a turbo compressor powered by fuel combustion, followed by a maintenance phase using conventional vacuum pumps. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate technology, avoiding the inefficiency of using conventional pumps for the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical vacuum pumping system with a hybrid system that uses fuel-combustion-powered turbo compressors for the initial evacuation phase. This substitution eliminates the need for excessive electrical power during the critical initial pump-down period while maintaining effective vacuum achievement.
2Loss of time
If conventional vacuum pumps are used for initial pump-down from ambient pressure, then vacuum can be reached, but the time required becomes unrealistically long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a turbo compressor to rapidly evacuate the tube from ambient pressure down to an intermediate pressure level before engaging the conventional vacuum pumps. This preliminary rapid evacuation eliminates the most time-consuming portion of the pump-down process, reducing overall evacuation time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different pumping technologies based on the pressure level and operational requirements. The turbo compressor operates during the initial high-speed evacuation phase, then is replaced by conventional vacuum pumps for the maintenance phase, optimizing performance at each stage rather than using a single fixed system.
3Productivity
If oversized vacuum pumping systems are used to handle high mass flow at startup, then sufficient pumping capacity is achieved, but the cost and power source requirements increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is segmented into two functional parts: a fuel-powered turbo compressor for initial high-capacity evacuation and conventional vacuum pumps for maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high mass flow pumping capacity during startup without requiring oversized, expensive electrical power infrastructure, as the turbo compressor is powered by fuel combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for oversized electrical power sources with a fuel-combustion-powered turbo compressor for the initial evacuation phase. This substitution eliminates the requirement for expensive electrical infrastructure, cabling, and couplings that would be needed to support high-power vacuum pumps during pump-down, while still providing sufficient pumping capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the energy required for initial pump-down, decreases the need for excess electrical power sources, and accelerates the evacuation process while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A turbo compressor system is used to rapidly reduce pressure from ambient to an intermediate level
Implementation Method 2
followed by a conventional vacuum pumping system to achieve the target partial vacuum
Implementation Method 3
the turbo compressor system being powered by combustion of fuel to minimize electrical power consumption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A target volume evacuation system includes a turbo compressor and a vacuum pump, the system being operable in a first configuration to reduce the target volume pressure from ambient to a first intermediate pressure, e.g. between 200 mbar and 50 mbar, and in a second configuration to further reduce the pressure from a second intermediate pressure, e.g. 10 mBar, to a target partial vacuum, e.g. between 0.1 and 1 mbar. The turbo compressor can be driven electrically or by fuel combustion, and can be a conventional or modified turbojet engine. A plurality of turbo compressors can be transitioned from parallel to series operation. The pressure can be reduced from the first to the second intermediate pressure by venting the target volume to a boom-tank volume and/or by configuring the turbo compressor system to provide backing to the vacuum pumping system. The invention is applicable to a hyperloop transport system.