TRANSPORTATION ENERGY ALTERNATIVES IN NORTH AMERICA: ASSESSMENT OF PAST EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

In the mid-1960's assessment of alternative technologies of passenger ground transportation was undertaken in the US, Canada and W. Europe. the results of these studies and technical feasibility, and energy efficiency (in particular, the energy requirements for suspension, as opposed to propulsion, are considered for "exotic" maglev and air cushion systems, as well as the speed limitations at ground level), and are compared with developments in modern rail; the energy efficiency and applicability of STOL is also investigated. The scope of possible energy and oil savings that can be realized through traffic shift to more efficient transportation modes and the use of electric traction is estimated, and is shown to amount to about 50% of the oil used in transportation. The extra demand for electrical energy required for electric traction is evaluated. Feasibility of rail (freight and passenger) electrification in the US and Canada is assessed, based on present and future traffic volume and cost.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • World Energy Conference, 10th, Istanbul, Turkey, September 19-23, 1977.
• Corporate Authors:

  World Energy Conference

  P.K. 32 Bakanlikar
  Ankara,   Turkey 
• Authors:
  • LUKASIEWICZ, J
• Publication Date: 1977

Media Info

• Pagination: 19 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Competition; Energy conservation; Intelligent transportation systems; Intercity transportation; Railroad electrification; Transportation modes
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316243
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 16 1980 12:00AM