ABB will contribute a Borderline CC750 compact converter and other materials needed to develop the propulsion system of the hyperloop test track built by the
EuroTube Foundation. The drive train components will be installed at the DemoTube location at the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, in Dübendorf, starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. Once installed, the unit will convert electricity into propulsion power for the linear induction motor, accelerating and braking the test vehicles inside the 120-m vacuum transport track.
The traction converter is similar to those used in regional trains and has sufficient power to drive the complex linear magnetic propulsion system EuroTube will install in its facility. With the linear drive, test vehicles can be propelled without friction, which allows for higher speeds at lower energy consumption. The aim of the technology demonstrator in Dübendorf is to show how the hyperloop technology can be safely and sustainably scaled up. The collaboration with EuroTube also comprises technical support from ABB for the installation and commissioning of the converter.
ABB has been supporting the EuroTube Foundation in its mission to develop an advanced electrical drive system for the DemoTube project since 2023. The propulsion system will be installed at the test site once the DemoTube linear structure has been constructed. The first part of the facility was inaugurated on July 19, 2024.
“We are delighted to be contributing with our leading-edge technology to ensure realization of this exciting innovation from EuroTube. Through our engineering support and domain expertise, we are advancing sustainable technologies within the transport sector,” said Gil Fischer, ABB traction division manager, Switzerland.
“We are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to work with ABB,” said Antoine Juge, EuroTube project lead for the DemoTube test facility. “This agreement will help us advance the development of our hyperloop transportation system by combining ABB’s technical expertise with EuroTube’s innovative vision. The power converter unit ABB Traction contributes to the project is the perfect match of power combined with high reliability and low lifecycle costs for maintaining the system.”
