• @pirat
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      56 hours ago

      And even in some prototype bus, the Gyrobus, in the 50’s that used an electrically charged flywheel that was also (to some degree) regeneratively recharged when breaking:

      Rather than carrying an internal combustion engine or batteries, or connecting to overhead powerlines, a gyrobus carries a large flywheel that is spun at up to 3,000 RPM by a “squirrel cage” motor.[1] Power for charging the flywheel was sourced by means of three booms mounted on the vehicle’s roof, which contacted charging points located as required or where appropriate (at passenger stops en route, or at terminals, for instance). To obtain tractive power, capacitors would excite the flywheel’s charging motor so that it became a generator, in this way transforming the energy stored in the flywheel back into electricity. Vehicle braking was electric, and some of the energy was recycled back into the flywheel, thereby extending its range.

      Source: Wikipedia: Gyrobus

    • Nightwatch Admin
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      36 hours ago

      Agreed, but here it is done highly effective. The 1.8 degree temperature difference is a huge plus too - they can now also save serious amounts of power on ventilation.
      TfL, you listening?

      • @[email protected]
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        31 hour ago

        The heat on the underground is mad, makes it so hard to dress for the weather. Go out in a coat because it’s cold then get down on the central line and everyone is sweating hard

        • Nightwatch Admin
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          150 minutes ago

          Agreed. I think TfL actually has begun looking into it but it’ll probably take years before the temperature is going to drop.