System and Method for Hyperloop Pod Protection Using Braking Systems

A method for performing a braking operation at a first hyperloop pod, the method comprising:

• engaging, at a processor, a plurality of power electronic units, the plurality of power electronic units each having disposed therein a secondary braking system component forming a plurality of secondary braking system components, the plurality of secondary braking system components being managed by a secondary braking system;
• detecting, at the processor and at a first hyperloop pod, a second hyperloop pod;
• determining, at the processor, a first braking force, the first braking force being provided at the secondary braking system;
• determining, at the processor, a collision margin between the first hyperloop pod and the second hyperloop pod, the collision margin being measured from a nose of the first hyperloop pod to a tail of the second hyperloop pod;
• engaging, at the processor, the secondary braking system if a safety margin is equal to or greater than the collision margin;
• detecting, at the processor, an offline secondary braking system component, the offline secondary braking system component being managed by the secondary braking system;
• and
• engaging, at the processor, the secondary braking system using an overdrive mode at a second plurality of secondary braking system components, the second plurality of secondary braking system components being online.

A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

• engage, at a processor, a plurality of power electronic units, the plurality of power electronic units each having disposed therein a secondary braking system component forming a plurality of secondary braking system components, the plurality of secondary braking system components being managed by a secondary braking system;
• detect, at the processor and at a first hyperloop pod, a second hyperloop pod;
• determine, at the processor, a first braking force, the first braking force being provided at the secondary braking system;
• determine, at the processor, a collision margin between the first hyperloop pod and the second hyperloop pod, the collision margin being measured from a nose of the first hyperloop pod to a tail of the second hyperloop pod;
• engage, at the processor, the secondary braking system if a safety margin is equal to or greater than the collision margin;
• detect, at the processor, an offline secondary braking system component, the offline secondary braking system component being managed by the secondary braking system;
• and
• engage, at the processor, the secondary braking system using an overdrive mode at a second plurality of secondary braking system components, the second plurality of secondary braking system components being online.