The Korean Railroad Research Institute (KORAIL) recently announced that its Hyper Tube Express (HTX) train achieved a speed of over 1,000 km/h (621 mph) during a test, marking a significant achievement in the race to create the world’s fastest train system. The HTX is an ultra-fast transit system that moves trains at near-supersonic speeds by leveraging the magnetic levitation principle inside a tube under partial vacuum – a concept similar to Elon Musk’s Hyperloop design. To test their concept, KORAIL developed a 1:17 scale test model.
Key to the propulsion technology is an electric air compressor fan on the front of the Hyper Tube Express, which will transfer high air pressure from the train’s front to its rear and sides. The fan reduces friction in front of the train, helping propel it and create an air cushion around it to reduce the air friction and the air resistance when the train moves through the vacuum tube. During the scaled model testing, pressure, temperature, and velocity data are gathered for air resistance analysis and the air compressor’s design optimization. Also, vibration data is acquired to study the train’s stability and proper acceleration moving at super high speed.
The scaled test track has a total length of 60 meters and is divided into three sections for accelerating, cruising, and braking. KORAIL distributed a Gantner Instruments Q.bloxx data acquisition (DAQ) system along the vacuum tube to collect, process, visualize and save measurement data. The main criteria for selecting the Q.bloxx system was the powerful combination of distributed, mixed-signal data acquisition and precise time synchronization between DAQ modules.
Accurate velocity measurement is paramount to the success of the test. The maximum speed is measured in the acrylic tube’s cruising section, where the scale model travels a length of 20 meters. The cruise speed is calculated using several fiber optic sensors mounted at precisely measured intervals along the vacuum tube. Each fiber optic sensor provides a +24 V pulse with a response time of 10 µs when the model train passes it and is directly connected to the digital inputs available on the Q.station controller. The velocity is calculated in real-time on the Q.station controller by taking the distance traveled over the change in time.
The HTX scale model reached a record-breaking speed of 1,019 km/h (633 mph) at 0.001 atm during testing. The institute plans to refine its technology further before initiating demonstration research for actual track and vehicle development in 2022. KORAIL’s ambition is to deploy a full-scale Hyper Tube Express network by 2024, cutting the journey time between Seoul and Busan from 3.5 hours to around 30 minutes.
Sales Partner:
DAQ modules used for this project:
- Q.station 101 DT
- Q.bloxx A101
- Q.bloxx A108
- Q.bloxx D101
- GI.bench Data Acquisition Software
More articles
Webinar on Electric Vehicle Testing and Key Trends & Developments in the EV Test Equipment Industry
Webinar: Trends, developments, and upcoming opportunities in the EV Testing, Validation & Certification Industry.
Read more...Battery Cell Testing in the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), making battery technology a central focus for innovation. As consumer demand for EVs grows, reliable battery performance and safety have become more critical than ever. At the heart of guaranteeing reliability is thorough, methodical battery cell testing. Below, we explore why cell testing is so vital, how it’s done, and the key challenges in today’s market.
Read more...Introducing the Q.series X A12x 1500V Plus Versions
Gantner Instruments expanded the A12x module lineup with Plus versions (e.g., Q.series X A128 Plus SEB) that feature an increase in their voltage capacity up to 1500V, meeting the evolving demands of industries that require higher voltage limits for testing and measurement. Let's delve deeper into the enhanced capabilities of the A12x module lineup and how they empower engineers across various industries.
Read more...Gantner Instruments appoints Bienfait as new Business Partner in the Netherlands
Gantner Instruments is pleased to announce that is has appointed Bienfait B.V. as business partner in the Netherlands. Bienfait will support Gantner Instruments’ entire portfolio of test and measurement solutions. The appointment provides stronger local support for the country’s rapid growth in key sectors like high-tech systems, energy, water and advanced composite materials.
Read more...