At 09:06 PM 5/18/98 -0400, you wrote: .....and he said small gas>turbine/electric hybrids. >Here's the theory in a nutshell. The turbines >can run off natural gas, (and then hydrogen if and when fusion becomes a >reality). Since the only parts that experience friction are the turbine >bearings they'll last virtually forever. They're extremely efficient when >running at a constant speed and theyll power a generator/capacitor grid with >computer controlled electric traction motor at each wheel. >Thoma > Isn't this ('hybrid') system just what railroad locomotives use - albeit with compression diesels instead of a turbine? Never could figure out, though, why the diesel engine power isn't just run straight to the drive wheels...? Austin |
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