06-15-2017, 03:29 PM
(06-15-2017, 02:27 PM)Canard Wrote: So, yeah, it's "less efficient" than OCS/Catenary (Direct Contact), but it's way, way better than Diesel.
Diesel engine might have something like 35% efficiency.
An electric motor could be up to 90%. A top-notch fuel cell will be 70%. Electrolysis might be up to 60%. But apply all three and you end up with 38%, almost the same as diesel -- and half the efficiency of a battery-operated electric vehicle. Really not fabulous. My rough efficiency estimates:
35% diesel (ICE loss only)
40% fuel cell (electrolyte loss + fuel cell loss + electric motor loss)
70% battery electric (battery loss + electric motor loss)
90% OCS electric (electric motor loss only)
That said, this could still make sense for GO as a train is likely too big to be practical with today's batteries -- and assuming that low-cost (clean) hydro power is available.