[SGVLUG] [OT]Hybrids and trains (was fuel prices and the dollar)

[Dan Kegel]

On Mon, May 19, 2008 at 9:47 PM, David Lawyer <dave at lafn.org> wrote:
> The commuter trains waste a lot of
> energy stopping and starting.  And trains are quite heavy.

Sounds like a perfect application for regenerative braking,
at least for electric trains.
http://www.railwaygazette.com/features_view/article/2007/07/7577/regenerative_braking_boosts_green_credentials.html
which says it's now common in England, and claims 15% energy savings.

> See my:
> Rail vs Auto Energy Efficiency by DL
> http://www.lafn.org/~dave/trans/energy/rail_vs_autoEE.html

You do mention regenerative braking, but don't give any figure
for the savings from regenerative braking alone, only together
with coasting (which I gather is your favorite prescription).
- Dan