Will this be tomorrow's transportation?

[houstonscott]

Coal will be back within 10 years as they realize the environmental issues fracking is causing. What's really going to happen is the natural gas industry will tank, all of the new NG plants will never give a return on investment, coal plants and mines that were mothballed or abandoned will cost big $$ to bring back on-line, and, as with EVERY re-tooling in the power industry, the costs will be passed on to the customer.

Please describe the fracking environmental issues you anticipate coming to light we are unaware of today. HS.

 

[Egon]

That said, IMO your caveat is an 'inconvenient' revelation.

It should not be. All infrastructures need continuous maintenance and restructuring as different methods & materials come on the scene.

 

[Egon]

Please describe the fracking environmental issues you anticipate coming to light we are unaware of today. HS.

There are places where fracking has induced tectonic activity. Perhaps one of the first was in the Denver Area many a day ago. Other areas of shallow fracking have affected potable water sources.

 

[SPYDERLK]

From an engineering perspective electric motors are the engineering choice to move a vehicle, combustion is an engineering throwback to steam engines. Extremely inefficient.

Sure. Thats why theyre used in trains because a reliable mechanical transmission for the power and speeds needed would be near impossible. -- But dont forget; the Prime Mover is always an engine of some sort ... heat based. Usually combustion.

The inefficiency involved in conversion to electric power will plague every application​

 

[SPYDERLK]

When driving from my house to the closets town that is about 12 miles away I see at least 1 dead animal but usually several. At spring when young are born the number of dead animals is significantly greater. Let's be conservative in our estimate and say there is a dead animal every 25 miles every day. US highway system is about 250000 miles. That is 10000 animals killed by cars every day. What should we do about that?

,,,,,,,Buzzards dont eat fast food.

 

[buickanddeere]

Hydrogen may be in a liquid state.

Pumping Hydrogen in a liquid state is not like pumping #2 diesel.

 

[buickanddeere]

Smaller stand alone nuclear power plants ( fail safe type ) would really enhance a power grid. Reduce transmission losses and be more flexible for variable power demands. The energy produce may not be conducive to run prime movers that are independant but could be used to manufacture a portable fuel.

I am not knowledgeable about fuel supplies and the handling of spent fuel. If these are done in a proper manner that is friendly to the environment all would be well. It means the system should be under supervision of the sceintific community rather than the money makers.

Efficiency of scale makes a pair of 1500 MW reactors cheaper than six 500MW reactors. 500KV power transmission line in cheaper to run than four extra reactors.

 

[Egon]

Efficiency of scale makes a pair of 1500 MW reactors cheaper than six 500MW reactors. 500KV power transmission line in cheaper to run than four extra reactors.

Are you indicating one large power generating station for Canada on either the east or west coast would be preferable to what we have now? Or maybe place it on Hudson's Bay in a more central location?


You have been noted for making comments on varying power demands have you not? Flexibility and separation may be beneficial in the long run. Sure make the required shutdowns easier and aid when natural disasters occure.

More power generating sources give the distribution system much more flexibility. Remember Quebec's ice storm or some of the total grid shutdowns?? If'n all you got is one horse and it up and dies your just plain looking at the proverbial paddle and creek! Being able to easily diversify can be very beneficial.

 

[the old grind]

RE: 'IMO your caveat is an 'inconvenient' revelation.'
It should not be. All infrastructures need continuous maintenance and restructuring as different methods & materials come on the scene.

The 'inconvenience' I spoke of being the unlikelihood that the oversight you propose :thumbsup: (ie: qualified vs 'elected') is darkened by the 'revelation' that when gov'ts try to work with businesses, efficiency is always a promise and a goal but is the first thing lost in the doldrums of political positioning before the starter gun even goes off to implement a new technology. I'm sure we're very much on the same page about 'new grid' possibilities. (.. and with MSRs) Dirty 'nukes' will each have a practical 'end of life' point. I wonder what's next if not what you suggest?

More power generating sources give the distribution system much more flexibility. Being able to easily diversify can be very beneficial.

Agreed. More 'point sources' can mean fewer vulnerabilities to failure, sabotage, and or natural disasters. The tech to control such a system(s) is already implemented and proven in our existing grid.

btw, My suggestion that localities be involved should have included "as franchisees" of power facilities with only site maintenance to do vs design, implementation, and/or inspection. Like many good ideas, the more sense one makes the more we fear that the inevitable complication of trying to please all people, interests, or regions will leave it circling the airport indefinitely while bigger fish are fried.

Baby steps.

 

[Egon]

Owning operating utilities is always an open question. They need competent people to create and physically operate. There is also a need for competent economic direction. The end goal is to have a utility responsible to the public but not have political or money making direction. Break even would be the goal.


Break even means that replacement and unforeseen' can be met at reasonable public rates.