Green Energy News | October 18, 1998

October 18, 1998 – Vol.3 No.29

ENERGIES... week of October 18,1998

UNVEILED -- CYBERTRAN. The power of computers and the efficiency of mass transit are now being tested on a one mile track in Alameda Point, California.

In full scale use, the automated CyberTran system would consist of hundreds of relatively small (38 foot) independent electrically powered rail vehicles operating throughout a network of stations. At any station a passenger would be able to “call” a vehicle by swiping a “smart card” at a system map and enter a destination. Utilizing a intelligent set of of computer-controlled switches, an available car would travel directly to that passenger’s station and then proceed to the selected destination with a minimum number of stops.

The system is designed to complement existing transit systems or function independently. CyberTran could be faster than a car and the compact size of the stations would allow them to be located inside office buildings for added convenience and weather protection. The lighter weight and small size of the vehicles would simplify construction of guideways and power systems - with other factors to reduce construction costs as much as 75% compared to light rail.

CyberTran was conceived by the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and developed by CALSTART and others. Visit CALSTART at http://www.calstart.org .

-- A WORKING EV. CALSTART, the Kummerow Corporation of North America (KCNA) and the U.S. Federal Transit Administration have introduced a zinc-air battery powered postal-style van that will enter meter-reading service for the Alameda Bureau of Electricity.

The van uses 104 ZOXY (R) zinc-air batteries which are not recharged, but “swapped out” with fresh batteries. Spent zinc-air cells are then refurbished at a facility now under construction.

Performance figures are 0-30 in 8 seconds, a top speed of 55 mph and 130 mile range.

-- CANADIAN FUEL CELL BUSES. Three fuel cell powered transit buses have entered revenue service for BC Transit in Vancouver, British Columbia. Operating in the second test site in the world behind Chicago, Illinois, the buses were developed by Ballard Power Systems and a joint venture of Ballard, Ford and Daimler-Benz - dbb fuel cell engines.

The buses will enter a two-year test program while being in full passenger service. Ballard and dbb hope to have commercially marketable fuel cell engines in production by 2002. Visit Ballard at http://www.ballard.com .

-- A SOLAR-POWERED FERRIS WHEEL. Built at the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (California) the nine story tall Pacific Wheel is powered by 660 photovoltaic modules mounted on structures throughout the park. With 71,000 kilowatt hours generated, excess power will flow back into the Park’s electrical system.

The Wheel is an effort of the City of Santa Monica, the U.S. Department of Energy, and Edison Technology Solutions. Visit Edison at http://www.edison.com .