About Us
Brakes
Brakes strives to build an efficient system that brings the pod to a gradual stop. We are working on a variable braking force that could help the pod gradually decelerate using the eddy current brakes. The final goal is to perfect a brake dynamometer to test the braking force and other vital metrics.
Communications & Controls
Communications and controls develops the software and electronics hardware required for components of the pod to operate seamlessly and communicate with each other. We are working on technologies for reliable communication between the pod and a manual controller, extensible software that can easily accept components, and a dual system that manages different failure modes.
Stability
Stability works to construct a suspension system capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of high-speed travel. We are innovating our suspension design prototypes developed last year and testing them under strain and dynamic loading situations. By analyzing the characteristics of forces experienced by the suspension wheel, we can find suitable materials and suspension geometries that optimize the design.
Thermals
Thermals builds a cooling system for the pod. A few options are being considered: liquid cooling to move heat away from the inverter towards the outer shell of the pod, thermally conductive materials for the aeroshell to dissipate heat efficiently, heat sinks to move heat away from the PCBs, and evaporative cooling.
Propulsion
The propulsion subsystem is working on an in-house high-power motor drive in collaboration with other Cooper Union organizations. The motor drive will have a maximum instantaneous power draw of 100kW and be cheaper and more lightweight than off-the-shelf parts. Some areas of focus are the low voltage control circuit and the high voltage inverter.
Frames
The frame subsystem designs and builds a stable structure that brings all the components of our pod together. Our frame will be designed to limit the loads and interferences between other systems of the pod, making it as light as possible and simple to manufacture.
Past Years
This year's goal:
The prosperous future holds a great deal in store for our team. The subsystems are working hard on synthesizing ideas and improving last year’s designs to revamp the speed, mobility and planes of motion of the pod. We will build a full pod to showcase at the 2023 European Hyperloop week.
