Pollution Reduction/Energy Savings
The Problem
The use of trains for freight transport has doubled in the last 35 years. By 2030, trains will produce almost twice as much soot as trucks, and will be responsible for about one-third of all particulate pollution attributable to the transporation sector. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, "locomotives are among the most dangerous and pervasive sources of air pollution in the United States." The table below shows how locomotive pollution compares to automobile pollution in six major metro areas.
Urban area |
Locomotive NOx emissions (tons/year) |
Equivalent number of automobiles (ii) |
| Chicago | 23,000 | 25,000,000 |
| Los Angeles (iii) | 12,000 | 13,000,000 |
| Houston-Galveston | 6,500 | 7,000,000 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | 4,500 | 4,900,000 |
| Baltimore | 2,600 | 2,800,000 |
| Detroit | 2,100 | 2,300,000 |
The Solution
Linear induction and linear synchonous type electric systems can completely resolve the pollution issue. These systems operate on magnetic fields and therefore are noiseless, pollution-free and have no moving parts to wear out. From a pollution standpoint, trains powered by electricity from a central power plan produce less than 1/250th the amount of pollution that diesel trains produce and operate at one third the fuel cost.
Calculation of Linear Motor NOx Reduction |
Calculation of Linear Motor Fuel Savings |
This calculation is based on conversion of a regional port corridor from diesel to linear motors.Operating Assumptions
|
Same Operating AssumptionsDiesel Fuel Cost - Conventional Locomotive
|