Serial Hybrid Engines Work For Busses
I’m glad to see that the CTA is trying out serial hybrid busses. While cars are really too small to use current technology in, busses are large enough that the different drive train makes sense. A similar system has been in use by trains for years. The addition of a moderating battery and regenerative braking turns the diesel electric drive train into a true serial hybrid. The advantage of this over a standard hybrid is that you only have one drive-train and the gas powered engine can always run at optimal efficiency since it is just running a generator. This also means no more busses idling downtown for a half hour at a time.
July 9th, 2008 at 14:29
Now I wonder why trains (and now buses) do not use flywheels to store energy from dynamic breaking. Trains actually have huge heat sinks to get rid of the energy generated on downhills.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:36
Flywheels are actually mechanically very dangerous. Batteries can catch fire, but generally once charged, they are pretty benign. Moving parts on the other hand have a tendency to … want to be in a dramatically lower state.
Ok, I am starting to think that recaptcha is having me on. Wheel tamer?
July 19th, 2008 at 09:40
My God, the CTA is going to perform horrible experiments on my kith and kin!
Since I don’t think they’ll be able to get much in the way of new rail going anytime soon (especially since the old rail is in such poor shape), I’m glad to see them planning to make the buses more energy efficient.
I keep hoping the CTA will start adding bike trails next to the lines as part of their new repair. I see a lot more people biking nowadays, but they don’t obey the rules of the road with regard to stop signs and stop lights very well, and now that I’ve done the bike bit a few times, I understand how hard it would be.