More Options

By adding airfoils, regenerative brakes, and solar panels many types of railcars can be incorporated into the Railroad Windfarm. The power generated enables several options. Almost any process that can fit into a railcar is a possibility.

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Depending on the desired option, existing freight or passenger railcars can be refitted, or new ones manufactured. Each type of railcar has its own features, functions, applications, and benefits.

   

Some of the options include, but are not limited to:

 

Desalination  

This set up includes seawater tankers, a pumping system, railcar desalination plant, and freshwater tankers. The desalinated water is used for irrigation or drinking. Sea salt is sold as a byproduct.   

 

Electrolysis

This set up includes freshwater tankers, a pumping system, electrolysis railcars, and gas tankers. Electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen gas fuels mass transit or manufacturing etc. Pure oxygen is sold for medical or industrial use.   

 

Greenhouse

Railcars have translucent sides. Starter plants are propagated under controlled conditions. Crop yields are increased with healthy starter plants.  

 

Gym

Passenger cars converted into fitness centers. Weights, ping pong or pool tables, hot tub, sauna, and boxing, judo, yoga classes, etc. are made available. Exercise improves public health.  

 

Internet Café

Diner cars transformed into internet cafés. Patrons use the café’s computers to get on the Internet. Mobile hotspot and device charging are available. Improved internet access leads to a more informed populace.

 

Library / Bookstore

Books are checked out and returned. A reading area is included. Just published books are for sale. Literacy rates are increased. 

 

Light Industry

Railcars are converted for regionally appropriate light industry that creates jobs. Manufacturing products while shipping reduces the energy used to get them to market. The eco-friendly manufacturing / shipping increases profits and reduces emissions.  

 

Laundry

Railcars are converted to laundromats. Wastewater is treated and recycled for passenger car toilet flushing. Improved hygiene reduces illness. Healthy people with improved attitudes are more productive.  

 

Medical Clinic 

Passenger railcars are converted to provide preventative medicine, first aid and minor procedures during stops. Patients needing serious medical attention are transported to the nearest medical facility in a hospital bed. Better access to healthcare improves the health of people served.

 

Mining or Agricultural Transports aka hoppers.  

Regenerative brakes and traction motors are installed on mining ore cars. There’s at least one battery railcar(s). The kinetic energy of stopping the heavy weight railcars is recycled during the trains startup from a full stop.     

 

Mobile Office

Passenger railcars are converted into office space. Many types are possible. Power is used for lighting, computers, and office equipment. Increased focus results in higher productivity. 

 

Movie Theatre

Passenger cars are converted to theatres. In addition to the ticket sales, traditional concessions like popcorn, drinks, etc. could be sold. Rural communities can enjoy the theatre experience with recent films.     

 

Museum

Railcars are converted into mobile museums that foster appreciation of local and global history. Touring exhibits like King Tut etc. could be displayed. Knowledge of the past can prevent repeating the same mistakes.     

 

Mushroom Farm

Railcars are set up as mobile mushroom farms. Fungi are propagated as a nutritious food source. The mushroom farms increase food security and reduce political unrest.  

 

Passenger Train / Ecotourism

Wind turbines, solar panels, and regenerative brakes provide power for passenger car ‘hotel amenities’. Passenger coaches and freight cars can be combined on the same train. Converted passenger coaches provide several products and services.

 

Practice and Performance Space, Ballet Troupe, Musicians, Plays etc.

Performers rehearse in railcars. Performances are put on when the train makes stops. Opportunities are created for talented artists. A ‘working vacation’ is provided for o established performers. 

 

Renewable Energy Storefront

Railcars are converted into showrooms for home solar and wind technologies. Sales, installation and repair are available by qualified technicians. Homeowners generating their own power reduce dependency on the grid.    

 

Repair Shop for Bicycles  

When the train makes stops for deliveries bicycles are left for repair. Bicycle shops encourage people to use carbonless transportation. 

 

Restaurant    

Airfoils, solar panels and regenerative brakes are added to diner cars. Organics are composted. The dining cars feed passengers or hot meals are prepared for humanitarian aid. Food service is provided for passengers or disaster relief efforts can be quickly extended to communities.  

 

Small Engine Shop

Railcars provide space for small engine mechanics. While the train is in motion mechanics work to convert power equipment to solar or do tune ups. Conversion to solar power and properly running engines reduce carbon emissions.  

 

Studio and Gallery

Passenger railcars are converted to artist studios. Galleries provide a retail outlet. Arts are promoted.

 

Sustainable Agriculture

Converted railcars deliver compost from municipal facilities. Processing organic garbage effectively reduces urban methane emissions and noxious odors. Increased sanitation and breathable air improve the quality of urban life. Horticulturalists call compost black gold. The additional nutrients, improved tilth, and increased water retention, result in healthier plants with higher yields. Compost also increases the viability of land reclamation or reforestation projects.

 

Wastewater Treatment

Passenger railcars have translucent sides. They allow incoming sunlight for photosynthesis, a main driver of ecosystems for wastewater treatment. Ultraviolet lights kill any pathogens in water reclaimed from wastewater or septage. Purified water is delivered for drinking or irrigation.  

 

Water Tankers 

The Railroad Windfarm uses tankers to carry water inland from coastal desalination facilities. A ‘river on rails’ provides consistent irrigation water to counteract drought and improve crop yields. Seawater is hauled in tankers as needed. 

 

For a scale model (without airfoils), check out the Photos. To learn how the technology works check out the Video. The Technology and Patent pages have additional info.