THIS IS THEIA

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DH09 IS SCALING UP

We proudly present our latest Hyperloop design: THEIA. This year, Delft Hyperloop 09 is taking a major step towards scaling up Hyperloop technology and driving standardization—both essential for making an international Hyperloop network a reality. THEIA features custom-built motor drives, a brand-new motor, and full compatibility with vacuum environments, marking a significant leap forward in Hyperloop development. With this design, we are competing at European Hyperloop Week 2025 in Veendam, Groningen, aiming for the full-system award on the large-scale test track. This means that the diameter of our pod will increase threefold, compared to previous the year. By testing our hyperloop system within standardized infrastructure of the European Hyperloop Center, DH09 will contribute to the development of a standardised hyperloop network.

THEIA

Theia will be the first Delft Hyperloop pod to demonstrate on the 420-meter-long test track of the European Hyperloop Center! With its new pod design, Delft Hyperloop takes a crucial step toward standardization—a key factor in the implementation of an international Hyperloop network. Theia features a cutting-edge levitation system, advanced sensor integration, and a newly optimized structural frame for peak performance.

Take a look at all the different sub-systems in the pod and their technical details to understand how this innovation was realized.

Theia is equipped with an advanced magnetic levitation system for stable, contactless travel and a custom powertrain that ensures high performance and energy efficiency. A precise braking system provides controlled deceleration for safe operations. The structural frame is optimized for minimal weight and high strength, supporting scalability. Real-time monitoring is enabled by a sensor suite tracking key parameters.

Additionally, Theia integrates a modular electronics architecture for seamless communication. Its thermal management system prevents overheating under high-speed conditions. To achieve high velocities, Theia features a new double-sided P8S24 linear synchronous reluctance motor.

MECHANICAL

The Mechanical department is responsible for designing, building, and ensuring the structural integrity of the Hyperloop pod. This includes the chassis and vital components that must withstand extreme conditions while ensuring easy access for rapid prototyping. The team focuses on creating a design that is lightweight yet strong, essential for high-speed travel and scalability.

The chassis is built from a hybrid aluminum space frame, combining low weight with high strength, similar to how aircraft use lightweight materials for both strength and fuel efficiency.

The vacuum box (VB) protects vital components from the harsh vacuum environment while maintaining accessibility for quick adjustments. A vertical mounting plate simplifies access, eliminating complex drawer systems. This setup ensures efficient modifications during testing, similar to how engineers in the automotive industry make real-time changes to vehicle prototypes for optimal performance.

The chassis and VB are designed to withstand extreme conditions while enabling rapid iteration.

LEVITATION

The Levitation department is focused on developing efficient and reliable systems that allow the Hyperloop pod to float above the track. Their main objective is to achieve precise control over both vertical and lateral levitation, minimizing friction for smooth and stable travel.

The vertical levitation system uses HEMS (Hybrid Electromagnetic Suspension), combining permanent magnets and electromagnets for efficient levitation. The airgap, the distance between the pod and track, is precisely controlled using coils and laser offset sensors, ensuring stability. The air gap between the pod and the track is maintained at 13mm.

For lateral stability, the EMS (Electromagnetic Suspension) system is employed to keep the pod centered, using only electromagnets and requiring less energy compared to traditional systems.

Together, these systems levitate the 1.4-ton pod using less energy than a vacuum cleaner.

PROPULSION

The Propulsion department is responsible for designing the motor and systems that propel the pod forward at high speeds without physical contact with the track. This department focuses on creating a propulsion system that is efficient, precise, and capable of scaling for future use.

The propulsion system uses a brand-new, custom-designed double-sided P8S24 linear synchronous reluctance motor. This motor generates a smooth magnetic field using synchronized electromagnetic coils, optimized for high-speed acceleration with minimal power loss. The system allows precise control over the pod's movement, enabling both forward propulsion and lateral steering. Custom motor drives manage the current and voltage, ensuring efficient performance. These drives are designed to handle increased power output in the future, future-proofing the system for further advancements.

SENSE & CONTROL

The Sense & Control department ensures the pod operates safely and efficiently by gathering and processing data from a variety of sensors. The focus is on precise localization, system monitoring, and real-time feedback to engineers, enabling optimal performance and quick problem-solving during testing.

Sensors track parameters like position, speed, voltage, and temperature. A laser-based localization system scans a barcode-like pattern on the track, providing real-time data with 0.1mm precision.

The system processes and transmits this data using 16 custom-designed PCBs, ensuring seamless communication between subsystems and the ground station for continuous performance monitoring.

POWERTRAIN

The Powertrain department is responsible for ensuring the pod has a reliable and efficient energy source. This includes designing the battery pack, thermal management systems, and all related components that support the high power demands of the propulsion and levitation systems.

The powertrain is powered by a custom lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 462 cells, delivering 150kW of peak output. The thermal management system employs a water-cooling loop to dissipate heat from critical components, while an evaporative cooling system transfers heat to the infrastructure. This ensures the system remains operational even in a vacuum, where traditional cooling methods would fail.

TRACK

Infrastructure is a crucial component of the Hyperloop system, but we aim to make it as passive as possible. By installing motors and levitation systems in the pod rather than the infrastructure, we reduce complexity and increase energy efficiency. The track sections are designed for easy factory production and assembly, lowering both costs and environmental impact.

A simplified version of the EHC track has been created for testing in Delft, allowing us to simulate real-world conditions before competing in July.

Building the track within a short timeframe is a significant challenge. Starting in March, we will construct the track at an external location with millimeter precision over its 15-meter length. Once completed, the track will be carefully moved to the Dream Hall by crane, a remarkable achievement for a student team.

The track is expected to be transported and positioned by the beginning of April.

OUR GOAL

DH09 Aims to be the first student team that will realize a scaled-up hyperloop system and showcase its operation at the European Hyperloop Center.

SCALE UP

At Delft Hyperloop, we build a scaled model pod each year to test the core principles of Hyperloop technology. This allows us to explore innovative solutions, push technological boundaries, and contribute to the global development of sustainable, high-speed transportation.
This year, we're taking a big step forward by building a pod 2 to 3 times larger, as we scale up. This enables us to compete at the European Hyperloop Week and test on the EHC track.

INFRASTRUCTURE

One of the greatest challenges in bringing the Hyperloop to reality is creating the necessary infrastructure. With tracks crossing multiple countries, aligning international standards is crucial, alongside addressing safety and regulatory challenges. This year, by testing our pod on the EHC track, we contribute to developing a standardized infrastructure, a key step toward making the Hyperloop a global reality.

EHC

The European Hyperloop Center (EHC) is a non-profit organization based in Veendam, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating Hyperloop development. With its state-of-the-art track in Groningen, the EHC positions the Netherlands as a global epicenter for Hyperloop innovation. This year, Delft Hyperloop is excited to participate in the European Hyperloop Week, testing our pod on the EHC track and contributing to the advancement of Hyperloop technology and infrastructure.