And I thought they were supposed to be shying away from fossil fuels.

  • joonazan@discuss.tchncs.de
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    6 days ago

    We are comparing attaching a diesel engine via a gearbox to attaching it via generator and electric speed controller.

    Electrically driven wheels can deliver just the right amount of power at over 95% efficiency. Direct ICE suffers because it cannot always run the engine in ideal conditions, reducing its efficiency.

    We do this in locomotives but not in cars because cars need to be lightweight. Actually, nuclear is clearly the best vehicle propulsion, almost infinite range and high power. It is only used in ships due to its weight.

    • vxx@lemmy.world
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      6 days ago

      I cant find a source for your claim, the best I could find Was that they can be more efficient under circumstances than diesel mechanic Systems. But it seems to be at least close. Do you have a source you can link?

      The reasons theyre the choice number one are different. The Main reason, it doesnt have a Transmission and is easier to repair, while there’s also less parts that can break.

      • joonazan@discuss.tchncs.de
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        4 days ago

        I’m not claiming that electric transmission is more efficient always because it isn’t. But as you say it is close.

        In a scenario where a train drives at a constant speed forever, attaching the engine to the wheels directly is a clear winner.

        However, with varying torque requirements, an ICE can’t always operate at maximum efficiency. They are especially bad at starting from a standstill. You can get a good overview of the concept from this wiki article. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_band

        • vxx@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          You arent, but that’s how the discussion started and why I joined that discussion.

          Ive earned quite a bit though, because I was not entirely correct myself.