On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 9:18 PM, Jeromy Evans < [email protected]> wrote:
> I understand the tech argument, but just wondering, what problem does > a solar train solve? > Eg. > Is electricity/diesel the major operating cost for current trains? > Are trains a significant environmental burden? > Why doesn't the argument for ultralight passenger carriages apply to > existing diesel/electric trains? > The Solar Train solves a political problem for Canberra. How to build a modern high-speed Train (160+kmh) that will work over long distances without spending an enormous amount on track infastructure (like $10B+) It's environmentally responsible, on top of being something that Europe at the moment can't build (easily). It will produce no Greenhouse gases to run. > Is electricity/diesel the major operating cost for current trains? No. The Solar Train won't be cheaper to operate. Diesels (as I believe) are cheaper. > Are trains a significant environmental burden? Not so much. But a Solar Train is better than a coal-fed electrcity train. > Why doesn't the argument for ultralight passenger carriages apply to > existing diesel/electric trains? It does. It's just that steel is strong and considered proven. Engineers like making more powerful and energy hungry trains all the time. Nothing wrong with that. This is a somewhat exotic technical concept.. with a bread and butter business case behind it. David -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Silicon Beach Australia mailing list. Guidelines on discussion: http://groups.google.com/group/silicon-beach-australia/msg/351e183e1303508d?hl=en%3Fhl%3Den No lurkers! It is expected that you introduce yourself. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/silicon-beach-australia?hl=en?hl=en
