Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
www.iaetsd.in
EVACUATED TUBE TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY(ET3) YARAMULA BALIREDDY
Email: yaramulabalireddy@gmail.com BIVEK KUMAR GUPTA Email:bivek01@gmail.com .
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Our paper describes “ET3”. Here ET3 stands for “Evacuated tube transport technology”. It’s the developing technology. Although there are similarities to the Startram concept we looked at recently, this take on maglev-like transport is all on terra firma and, if it ever eventuates, would take passengers from New York to Beijing in just two hours. Advocates of Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) claim it is silent, cheaper than planes, trains or cars and faster than jets. The basic plan is, well, as old as the enabling patent, US Patent 5950543, whose description is quite thorough. Issued in 1999, there remain seven years on the term of the patent, which is assigned to ET3.com, Inc., a licensing organization that hopes to head an alliance of players to fund and construct demonstration facilities. The short version of the ETT story is as follows: put a superconducting maglev train in evacuated tubes, then accelerate using linear electric motors until the design velocity is attained. As the motors are integrated into the
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
evacuated tubes, the conveyance capsules which travel in the tube need have no moving or electrically activated parts passive superconductors allow the capsules to float in the tube, while eddy currents induced in conducting materials drive the capsules. Efficiency of such a system would be high, as the electric energy required to accelerate a capsule could largely be recaptured as it slows. The most practical model system is based on car-sized passenger/cargo capsules that travel in 1.5 m (5 ft) diameter vacuum maglev tubes. The maglev tubes are permanently maintained at near vacuum conditions, and the capsules are inserted into and removed from the tubes through airlocks at stations along the route. After the capsules are accelerated to the design velocity (some 4,000 mph or 6,500 km/h), they coast for the remainder of the trip. There is no drag from travelling through air, and although small oscillations in the maglev suspension do cause a bit of inefficiency, it is a tiny fraction of the rather immense kinetic energy of an occupied capsule - which with a car of about 550 kg (1,212.5 lb) travelling at 4,000 mph is just about 244 kWh.
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 17
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
The capsule speed will depend on the length of the trip, as it takes time to accelerate. Given a nominal acceleration of 1 g, it takes about 3 minutes to reach 4,000 mph, at which point the capsule has travelled over 100 miles (161 km). ET3.com, Inc. believes that a reasonable speed for shorter trips is 370 mph (600 km/h). While tubes could be networked like
ETT : Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) is a new kind of transportation system that requires less than two percent of the energy of current transportation methods. It is also much safer, and can be faster
www.iaetsd.in
freeways, with capsules automatically routed along their trip, local and longdistance trips would require separate maglev tubes to avoid unreasonable scheduling delays. Around the world in just over six hours isn't orbital velocity, but the practical benefits would be nearly the same - vital goods and talent delivered quickly to where they are needed. If not, the fares would be less than one fourth of present-day travel cost. Or travel much faster on the same budget; for example, to go from New York to Miami in about 25 minutes would cost less than flying with super saver airfares. Ultimately rates will decrease fast, as the initial cost of construction is paid off. Unlike planes, automated ETT virtually eliminates the chances of collision. Also, ETT runs continuously, so you travel when you want to; without consulting the weather report.
Anywhere there is a road; visualize two tubes below, or above the ground, one tube for each direction. Air is removed from the tubes, eliminating resistance. Aircraft-like passenger cabins (2 - 8 person capacity) travel in the tube on thin steel wheels or on nearly frictionless Maglev. Most of the energy used to accelerate a capsule is "recycled" as the capsule is stopped, by using conventional electrical motor/generator technology.
There are environmental benefits too. Constructing ETT causes 95% less environmental damage than a highway, while using much less resources. Per passenger mile, it releases from zero to 2% as much greenhouse gases as cars and planes. Wildlife can migrate unobstructed; animals will never be killed as they are when they cross roads. ETT is relatively harmless to wetlands; it will not block natural water flow or aquifer recharge. ETT is durable, so maintenance and waste are minimal. ETT can use small, renewable, non-polluting energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric.
Because ETT is so efficient, transportation (at present speeds) could be cheap enough that advertisers would pay for travel if the public were willing to watch commercial videos en route.
Riding ETT will be like traveling in a very quiet airplane, perhaps watching a movie in a reclined position. The ride will be smoother than any luxury car or airplane, and not at a nerve-wracking
Fig: ET3 concept model.
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 18
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
32,000 feet above the ground. Depending on distance travelled, ETT speed can easily be up to 300 m.p.h for Fig:
www.iaetsd.in
we've created the very equipment we need to implement ETT. For instance, hundreds of companies in virtually all countries make and install pipelines (tubes), vacuum pumps, and the electronics to operate them. We have all the equipment we need to start building ETT right now, with mostly off-the-shelf parts. Engineers suggest that we start by building a small test ETT system for courier transport of documents, and then develop systems to transport people. That test system, if about one mile long, might take about 6 months to create, and would cost less than $1M.
Fig: comparison of area trips between neighbourhoods or towns, to a spectacular 4,000 m.p.h for international travel that would take you from DC to Beijing China in 2 hours. You wouldn't have to waste two hours to get to the huge airport - the terminal would be a neat little station a few minutes away. Globally we spend $5Trillion (US) per year on transportation. In doing so
FAQ General:
The ETT Patent is assigned to et3.com Inc. intercontinental transport up to 4,000 mph or more. For greater detail see technology section. Who can use ETT?
What is ETT? ETT stands for Evacuated Tube Transport. ETT is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. It uses well known methods, parts, and technologies. The patented system works by eliminating virtually all friction normally associated with travel. Three basic embodiments range from: low tech low speed systems for local use at speeds below 200 mph; to high tech systems for continental and
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
A low tech, low speed (300mph) ETT is expect to cost about 50% of the cost of a four lane interstate highway, and need less than 20% of the ongoing maintenance cost. The capacity will exceed 8 lanes of traffic in each direction. The over all energy use for ETT will be less than one twentieth of what we would use if we continue with cars and planes.
Just like trains, initial ETT use will be for freight, and along high use routes of travel. Once proven, construction will rapidly spread. Since the system is efficient in energy and materials use, high-speed travel will be low cost, and sustainable. Eventually, everyone in the world may use the system. Who's going to operate ETT?
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 19
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
www.iaetsd.in
For fiscal operation, both corporate and public operation is encouraged by the non-exclusive, low cost licensing plan. The license promotes both cooperation and competition. Physical operation of the system is by automated computer control. The only input and skills required are the ability to chose and enter a destination. Fig: construction of tubes
When can I use ETT? In the year 1900 less than one percent of the population had seen an automobile. By 1935 ninety nine percent of horse and buggy travel had been replaced by automotive means. People are less resistant to change than they where a hundred years ago. Now people demand change, when clear benefits are perceived. If you, and those you know, support the ETT system, (even if it is just telling others about it), we could all enjoy low cost world travel in less than 10 years. How much will it cost to ride? The energy and material use is very low, and the durability of the components is great; so the initial, and operating cost will be much less than current methods of travel. Some licensees believe that cost will be so low that advertising could pay for most travel, just like it pays for TV, or free Internet. Depending on who you are, advertisers may actually pay you to travel while watching their presentation!
Construction: Who is going to build it?
Those who license the technology and collaborate with one another will build ETT systems. The philosophy is an open system (like Linux), where improvements are made by many collaborators working to achieve mutual benefits, but the collaborators have a mechanism for getting paid to the extent of their contribution. People who now work in almost any field will build components, or provide services that make the ETT system possible. Even though most do not realize it, everyone has underutilized, unique skills or assets that could be used to help manifest the ETT system. All the skills, production capacity, materials, and labour force required to build the system exist right now. By purchasing a life-time ETT license for just a hundred bucks, anyone can competitively propose and bid on ETT related work. Since one out of five dollars spent are spent on transportation, there is a tremendous market available for your latent skills or assets. The licensee web site at www.et3.net will be the market place for skills and assets relating to ETT projects. When will a prototype be built? Prototypes, or production components for all of the individual systems used by ETT exist right now. These components / facilities / materials etc. will be virtually assembled into an
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 20
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
ETT system over the Internet. As the real components are assembled virtually, plans and alliances are formed for actual construction. A Licensee acts according to the following outline to add the parts they can supply: 1. Look over the ETT tech files and determine the classification for your skills, component, material, asset, or service. (If a classification does not exist, propose one) 2. Post your licensee information and what you offer / need; along with delivery lead times and prices, in the appropriate classifications. 3. Look for projects you have an interest in, submit offers / or express needs. 4. Contact Licensees who offer what you need or need what you offer; to cooperate on assemblies, and work out standards etc. 5. When all required classifications are represented by licensees, bid winners start to work.
www.iaetsd.in
vacuum. Every route will have special requirements according to local conditions and economics. Some possible materials include but are not limited to: Sealed concrete, glazed ceramic, steel, aluminium, fiberglass, and plastics. How much will it cost? Since primitive man first made a dugout canoe, the demand for transportation improvements has increased. Transportation expenditures are around 14% of the world economy. The rate of growth of transportation is double the rate of growth of the world economy. In developed countries it has grown to 20% or one trillion dollars per year in the USA. Experts have estimated that the costs of ETT transport will be much less than current systems. The right-of-way requirements are around 5% of an interstate freeway. The materials use for spans will less than one tenth. The parts will have a much greater life, further reducing costs. Will the tube be under ground or above ground?
Initially it is likely that a small demo system will be built first.
Both underground and above ground systems will be built, according to local conditions and economic requirements.
Where will the first one be built?
How big are the tubes?
Economics and politics will come into play to determine the optimal location for the first systems. Attractive routes will be between major cities, over unpopulated flat, dry terrain, below the latitudes where the ground freezes.
Tubes less than a foot in diameter would have use for mail and small packages. Tubes 20 feet in diameter could accommodate a bus. It is estimated that a 6 foot tube could accommodate almost all transport needs.
What is the tube made out of? How many people fit in a capsule? The tubes can be made of any durable substance that is capable of holding a
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 21
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
Capsules 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet long could be used for one person lying down. Capsules could be made big enough to accommodate a bus. A five-foot diameter capsule 20 feet long could accommodate 10 persons. The economics for the particular route and system will dictate capsule size.
www.iaetsd.in
more for short periods of time. Top fuel dragsters are capable of about 4g acceleration. Many roller coasters produce 3g of acceleration. Most cars produce almost 1g under maximum braking. If acceleration is limited to 1g, most people will not experience any discomfort. The time to travel estimates assume a maximum of 1g of force, and a top speed of 4,000 MPH . How can people breathe?
Fig: Internal structure of capsule
Isn't mail or package transport a good place to start? Yes, the cost and liability would be very low, and life support not needed. Lessons learned would benefit large scale use. Will the government be involved? Yes, Large-scale projects will at a minimum need government cooperation. We the people are the government. In free countries, demands of the people will insure full government cooperation. Wouldn't you vote for a candidate who openly supports ETT? International systems will need the sanction of the governments involved.
Physiological effects: Can people handle the forces of going that fast? Just going fast does not affect the human body. Astronauts in orbit travel faster than 20,000 MPH. The human body can tolerate 8g of acceleration or
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
Life-support apparatus is a well developed field. Space stations in orbit allow astronauts to breathe for several months, even though the capsule is in a near vacuum. Submarines have been around for over a hundred years, modern subs can stay submerged for more than a month. The systems used in Evacuated Tube Transport will be much less demanding. Only 2-3 hours (plus reserves) of life-support is needed. Won't people feel claustrophobia? Some people are unreasonably afraid of enclosed spaces. The amount of room per passenger exceeds that of airplanes and luxury automobiles. Reclined seating and 'virtual window' displays allow the simulation of whatever environment the rider prefers; or TV, movies, video games, etc. may be displayed to provide distraction from negative thoughts. What if someone gets sick? Since ETT will be the fastest method of travel, it will be the preferred way to transport persons for medical reasons. Terminals will be equipped with EMT facilities and personal. A button may be pushed if a person is in distress from sudden illness. Heart sensors also signal a medical emergency. The signal causes the capsule to be diverted to the
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 22
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
nearest EMT facility. In case of a false alarm, the person indicating the false alarm could be charged a fine to discourage misuse. Safety: What happens if you stop in the tube? Emergency escape hatches are places every mile or so along the tube. In the rare event of stoppage in the tube, the capsules will be directed to the nearest escape hatch.
Fig: What if the brakes fail? The braking system is automatic. It does not rely on human control. The parts are subject to continuous automatic inspection and replaced before unacceptable wear occurs. Multiple redundant backup braking is activated if any failure occurs in the primary braking system. Compared with automobiles, trains and airplanes, failure of ETT braking systems are unlikely. What about terrorists? Although rare, acts of terrorism occur. Airplanes, boats, and cars are favoured targets because the terrorist can use the vehicle to escape detection, and elude apprehension. Statistically, the death rate due to terrorism is much lower than deaths caused by operator error,
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
www.iaetsd.in
weather, and mechanical failures. High security, surveillance, and swift apprehension of suspects reduce losses due to terrorism. Much tighter security is possible with the ETT system than is possible with aircraft, boats, or automobile.
Competition: Will the oil companies resist ETT? ETT system construction will require large amounts of plastics. If demand for transportation fuel is reduced, oil companies could modify existing refineries to manufacture plastics at much lower cost, while maintaining profits. Low cost plastic building products will replace the use of wood in building construction. Oil companies realize that oil reserves are limited. When ETT becomes the transportation system of choice; valuable oil resources can be used and recycled for many years instead of being converted into smog by cars. This will have a very beneficial effect on the environment. Oil companies will be seen as protectors of the forests, instead of contributors to pollution. It will also extend the amount of time oil companies may profit from known oil reserves. What are you going to do about the out of work truckers? One thing in life is certain, that is all things change. Some embrace change others resist. For instance some people still farm with horse and wagon. Some people learn new skills as quick as possible. They are able to capitalize on the fact that many resist inevitable change. Will the aircraft and manufactures try to stop ETT?
car
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 23
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
Perhaps some will, most will realize that they are in the transportation business, and use under-used production facilities to manufacture ETT components. Much like in the early 1900's when Fisher (coach works) switched to building automobile bodies as buggy demand declined. Other companies were not so wise.
www.iaetsd.in
company. There are many opportunities for Licensees to use their skills or assets to perform ETT related work leading to mutual rewards. The current needs are posted on www.et3.net ; a licensee may submit a proposal for work, services, or asset utilization on the site. The proposals and bids are reviewed, ranked and awarded according to demand and merit.
Company operations: How can a Licensee profit? Are you going to sell stock? The company is not selling stock to the public. The company is using stock to compensate its licensees who perform needed functions for start up and continuing operations. The compensatory shares are restricted and may not be sold or transferred to the public. Any sale of stock will be private placement to licensees of et3.com Inc. who meet the Accredited Investor qualifications defined by the SEC. When are you going public? A public offering of stock is expensive. Often the extra overhead and reporting hampers the ability of the company to perform its core functions. A core philosophy if the company is the minimization of unproductive overhead to keep license cost as low as possible. The company et3.com Inc. will go public only if it is a key to fulfilling its mission. Does et3.com have any employment openings? No, et3.com has no employees. Licensees handle all functions normally allocated to employees as jobs. Licensees competitively bid their services for compensatory shares in the
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
There are three basic ways an et3.com Licensee makes money: 1. Use the technology to build all or part of an ETT system, profiting from the construction, or sharing in the revenues generated by operating a completed system. 2. Contribute intellectual property (IP) relating to ETT, to the et3.com technology pool, and share in royalty income generated by Licensees engaging in ETT projects, as that IP is used. 3. Perform services for et3.com Inc. in exchange for stock; thus sharing in any royalty income allocated to shareholders. How is a License acquired? 1. Read and understand all terms of the et3.com License Agreement. 2. Fill out the license application form, agreeing to all terms by printing, signing, and sending in the form and other required documents. 3. Pay the one time license fee of $100. 4. Receive Grant of License if application is accepted.
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 24
Proceedings International Conference On Advances In Engineering And Technology
CONCLUSION:
Compare with the other vehicles its better. Why because of following factors.
www.iaetsd.in
Eliminates virtually all chance of collision Protected from adverse weather and obstacles
ACHIEVABLE: FAST:
N.Y. to L.A. in 45 minutes Washington D.C. to Beijing in 2 hours 350mph local , to over 4000mph international.
CONVENIENT:
Runs continuously - travel when you want to without delays or stops.
EFFICIENT:
Uses less than 1% of the energy at a given speed, 90% + material savings. 300+ mph on human power is possible.
CLEAN:
Environmentally benign Sustainable with renewable energy Ultra quiet
So we should implement it. Because if we implement it..! the efficiency will be more. we will reduce accidents also. very less fuel will require to run and pollution is also very less. ET3 can provide 50 times more transportation per kWh than electric cars or trains. . Compared to high speed rail, ET3 needs only 1/20th the material to build because the vehicles are so light. With automated passive switching, a pair of ET3 tubes can exceed the capacity of a 32 lane freeway. ET3 can be built for 1/10th the cost of High Speed Rail, or 1/4th the cost of a freeway.
References:
SAFE:
ISBN NO: 978 - 1503304048
All equipment exists to build ETT now, mostly with off the shelf parts The individual technologies involved are all in active commercial use.
www.gizmag.com www.et3.com.inc
International Association of Engineering & Technology for Skill Development 25