Image: The European Hyperloop network (source image: Hardt Hyperloop)
NEN is calling on Dutch hyperloop stakeholders to sign up for the national standards committee. Through this committee, they can make European agreements ahead of the legislative framework. NEN speaks of a unique opportunity.
The hyperloop is often seen as the first real alternative to continental flights. The transport system uses an air pressure tube, in which the hyperloop travels in a vacuum. This vacuum minimises air resistance and allows speeds of up to 1,200 kilometres per hour (km/h) to be reached. NEN reports that with the advance of levitation systems, high-frequency automation and vacuum infrastructure ecosystems, the technology behind hyperloop has greatly improved in recent years.
JTC 20
A new technical committee called JTC 20 was set up in February. It is part of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC). JTC 20 focuses on developing European standards for hyperloop systems.
Several international hyperloop companies are involved in standardisation. These include Hyperloop Poland (Poland), TransPod (Canada), Zeleros Hyperloop (Spain) and the Dutch company Hardt Hyperloop.
Monitor interoperability
Stakeholders expect more and more parties to enter the hyperloop market and the embrace of the transport system to rise. This may create different visions in this area. These visions may impact the interoperability of the underlying infrastructure, hyperloop capsules, used signalling and other systems. In practice, this could complicate cross-border travel of both people and goods.
By developing European standards, specifications and methodologies for hyperloop systems, JTC 20 aims to prevent this from happening. The creation is an initiative of the Spanish standards organisation UNE and the Dutch NEN. The committee is part of CEN and CENELEC.
Working groups
The technical committee consists of working groups focusing on different components of hyperloop systems. These include the vehicle systems, tube infrastructure and associated components, overall infrastructure and communication protocols used. The standards and technologies developed by JTC 20 will be tested and validated in research centres that will open their doors in the coming years in France, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands, among others.
To represent the interests of Dutch organisations, NEN has set up a national standards committee. Dutch stakeholders can thus directly influence the standards to be developed. NEN speaks of a unique opportunity, as hyperloop standardisation anticipates the legislative framework.
Kick-off
The kick-off meeting of the national standards committee on ‘Hyperloop systems’ will take place on 15 September. The European kick-off meeting is scheduled for 2 October. The Dutch kick-off meeting will prepare the Dutch contribution and the representation of Dutch interests at the European meeting. You can register via iv@nen.nl
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
