Oct 20, 2009: Electric Locomotive

[Adak]

No emissions from lead-acid batteries?? What about from the power plant that's charging them?

There are new much cleaner burning developments in diesel engines that could have been incorporated, but oh no, we're going to go "green extreme". Whether it makes any sense, or not.

I can hear the telephone conversation now:

"I'm calling back to see what you think about our new no emissions locomotive - isn't it a marvel?

And don't forget out special deal on emergency umbilical cords, on every marvel-motive we sell this month!"

"I manage 10,385 miles of converging rail lines leading into Indy, 24 hours a day. I don't have time to play with your toy engine that requires 10 hours to recharge, after every 24 hours of work. And no, I don't need an emergency extension cord, 500 miles long!"

"We call them 'umbilical cords' because that makes them sound so natural and earth-friendly, and ..."

"Click"

"Hello? Hello?"

[lupin..the..3rd]

Originally Posted by Adak

There are new much cleaner burning developments in diesel engines that could have been incorporated, but oh no, we're going to go "green extreme". Whether it makes any sense, or not.

x2, modern diesel engines are where its at. They're so clean now that diesel cars hold 8 of the top 10 "top 10 green cars" awards in the UK for 2009. Lowest exhaust pollutants and lowest carbon footprint.

And that doesn't even take into consideration the huge fuel efficiency advantage you get with a diesel, a locomotive diesel in particular. The gasoline engine in your average passenger car is around 33% efficient. That means 33% of the energy in the gasoline is turned into motion to make the car go. (The other 67% is lost as heat, and exhaust).

A hybrid gasoline car is about 35% efficient. A modern diesel car is about 41% efficient. The efficiency king however, is a modern diesel locomotive, like the GE Evolution, which is an amazing 50% efficient! There is no other internal combustion vehicle in the world that even comes close.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I would think the Diesel locomotive has an advantage, unlike cars, in that so little of it's running time is unladen. It has to be more efficient when it's working.