Ceit successfully concludes development of an electromagnetic propulsion system for Hyperloop

High-speed intercity transport is one of the sectors with the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions, although it still faces critical technological challenges. Efficiently and safely reaching speeds of over 600 km/h requires advanced and scalable electrical propulsion systems that are free of critical materials. Within this context, the SCALE (SwitChed ReluctAnce Linear Motor for Electric Ultra-high Speed) project has filled a major technological vacuum, demonstrating the viability of switched reluctance linear motors (SRLMs) for Hyperloop-type systems.

In the course of its development, SCALE has designed an SRLM capable of accelerating a 500 kg capsule at over 600 km/h on a 600-metre stretch. The project has covered all the critical elements in the system, including the electromagnetic, mechanical and structural design of the linear machine, the development of power electronics and power supply architecture to manage high-voltage pulses and current, the implementation of a section switch system for gradual acceleration, and the integration of positioning, communications and control systems with millimetric precision. All subsystems have been tested via prototypes and in relevant environments, thus making significant advances towards solutions that can be both scaled and industrialised.

Advanced power electronics as enabler of ultra-high speed

Within the project’s framework, the Ceit Technology Centre has been spearheading development of the electrical supply system by designing and validating a scalable converter capable of feeding the SRLM with several kilovolts and hundreds of amps. Ceit has also developed energy management architecture, including the possible integration of energy storage and a section switch system for the linear machine, with precise electronic synchronisation. All these developments have been experimentally validated in laboratory with representative loads, ensuring performance of the system under real conditions.

SCALE has been coordinated by Zeleros and involved the participation of Ciemat and Ceit, with funding by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. With the project now completed, the consortium has laid the foundations for future applications that can be industrialised in this technology, thus promoting more efficient and scalable transport that is free of critical materials.