On the back of US President Obama's latest strategic plan outlining his vision for high-speed rail in America comes an innovative public transportation concept of a high-speed train that runs on solar power.
The idea of a bullet train that runs on solar power is still in its early stage. The system is being designed by Solar Bullet LLC, to both generate electricity for nearby communities as well as the power needed for the transit vehicles. The initial focus is on solving local commuter problems in and out of major cities with extensions to the system, which will lead to high-speed passenger connections between Phoenix, Tucson, and other major cities. A business plan hopes to attract foreign investment, with the cost of the first phase expected to be in the region of $27 billion.
The southwest has some of the broadest coverage area of high-density solar exposure in the nation. Modular manufacturing technology matched with integrated aerospace technology can make a system design that uses solar power as the primary energy source.
The 220mph solar bullet train would require 110 megawatts of electricity and would operate with solar power generated from overhead panels. The design would see the train run on 4 tracks - the innermost two tracks would be reserved for nonstop travel from Tucson to Phoenix, going 116 miles in half an hour, stated Bill Gaither, founder of Solar Bullet LLC in a recent interview.
Their vision sees tourists go out of their way to travel to the southwest to see its spectacular and accessible scenery as well as travel on its unique solar-powered high-speed rail systems. New businesses and residents will be attracted to the forward looking developments that will spring up along this new passenger-rail system whilst at the same time will dramatically reduce their dependence on imported oil and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
In Europe and Asia high-speed rail has already pulled regions from isolation, igniting growth and turning quiet towns into thriving tourist destinations. In Spain, a high-speed line between Madrid and Seville is so successful that more people travel between those cities by rail than by car and airplane combined. China, where service began just two years ago, may have more miles of high-speed rail service than any other country just five years from now. And Japan, the nation that unveiled the first high-speed rail system, is already at work building the next: a line that will connect Tokyo with Osaka at speeds of over 300 miles per hour.
The President has already announced that his proposals will lead to innovations towards clean, energy-efficient transportation that will change the way people travel in America. The plan identifies an $8 billion down payment provided under ARRA, and will continue with a high-speed rail grant program of $1 billion per year for 5 years.
For more attend Printed Electronics & Photovoltaics USA 2009 and read Thin Film Photovoltaics & Batteries 2009-2029.
