| 摘要 |
A high speed ground transportation system, is suspended in an underground vacuum tube by a frictionless magnetic suspension system and propelled by gravity. The tubes are suspended inside deep underground tunnels from anchor points near each adjacent station and follow smooth catenary curves similar to the main suspension cables of a suspension bridge. Gravity propulsion is accomplished by allowing the vehicle to coast down the descending arc of the tube, during which time it is accelerated by gravity, and decelerating by gravitational braking while coasting up the tube's ascending arc. Thus, the trip is accomplished by transforming the vehicle's gravitational potential energy at one station into kinetic energy and back into gravitational potential energy at the next station. Excess kinetic energy arising from coasting between stations having different elevations is supplied or absorbed by on-board linear motor/generators that provide supplementary propulsion or regenerative braking. These linear motor/generators draw and return energy to an on-board flywheel kinetic energy storage system. Passenger and cargo transfer between the vehicle's interior and station is made without removing the vacuum environment of the vehicle, by providing air-locks through the tube walls at the station.
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