More Options

By adding regenerative brakes, airfoils, 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. 

 

Depending on the desired option, existing railcars can be refitted, or new ones manufactured. Each type of railcar has its own features, functions, applications, and benefits. Passenger railcars aka ‘coaches’ can also be refitted, or manufactured, for use with the Railroad Windfarm.

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

•    Water Tankers (with regenerative brakes only)  
Extremes in weather like droughts and floods are expected to increase as climate change impacts become more severe. Water shortages are expected to lead to armed conflicts. Governments will need to provide adequate water supplies in the interest of national security. 
One way is converting oil tankers to carry water inland from coastal desalination facilities. A ‘river on rails’ could provide a consistent source of irrigation water that would improve crop yields and counteract drought. Fresh water tankers could also haul saltwater as needed.  

•    Desalination  
Power from the Railroad Windfarm can be used to remove salt from seawater. The desalinated water can be used for irrigation or drinking. This expandable set up includes a pumping system, seawater tanker(s), desalination plant railcar(s), and fresh water tanker(s). As a byproduct the sea salt is sold.  
 

•    Electrolysis 
Electricity from the Railroad Windfarm could split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas can fuel mass transit or other transportation. This set up includes a pumping system, freshwater tanker(s), electrolysis railcar(s), and tanker(s) for the hydrogen gas. Pure oxygen is also harvested and sold.  
 

•    Compost Delivery
Any size community can have sanitation problems. Garbage collection can be irregular or non-existent. Rotting garbage emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that causes noxious smells. Processing garbage effectively would eliminate methane emissions and odors.  
Municipal composting doesn’t have odors when managed properly so it reduces garbage smells. The increase in sanitation and breathable air improves the quality of life for all.   

Horticulturalists call compost black gold. Converted ‘hopper’ railcars could deliver the black gold to farming communities. The compost itself has many benefits such as, land reclamation, improving tilth, water retention, healthier plants, higher yields, and increasing the success of reforestation projects.  
 

•    Greenhouse 
One of the most difficult times for farmers is from germination to about six weeks. Bad weather can destroy a crop. With translucent sides any boxcar can become a greenhouse so plants can be propagated under controlled conditions. Healthy starter plants increase crop yields. 
 

•    Wastewater Treatment
The wastes produced by train passengers or workers can be treated by the natural water purification processes of wetlands accelerated by a series of separate but linked ecosystems. Translucent boxcar sides would allow incoming sunlight for photosynthesis, a main driver of ecosystems.
 

Wastewater can be pumped into a railcar with a wetlands-based treatment system. Air lifts circulate water between ecosystems. Ultra violet light provides the final elimination of pathogens. A pumping system would transfer the purified water into a tanker for drinking or irrigation.   
 

Water can also be reclaimed by using engineered wetlands ecosystems to treat the nastiest septage imaginable. ‘Honey wagon’ railcar(s) would haul the septage before treatment. A pumping system would transfer the septage to the treatment system, then to purified water tanker(s).  
 

•    Passenger Train
Passenger coaches and freight cars can be used together. Wind turbines, solar panels, and regenerative brakes can provide the power for ‘hotel amenities’. Renewable energy batteries can provide backup power. Converted passenger coaches could provide several products and services when the train makes stops. Some options can be done while the train is moving.   
 

•    Clinic – Medical Services 
Preventative medicine can be practiced. First aid or minor procedures can be performed when the train stops to deliver renewable energy, perishable goods, water, fuel, compost, and passengers. Better access to healthcare improves the overall health of the people served. Patients needing serious medical attention could be transported in hospital beds to the nearest medical facility.   
 

•    Light Industry
The energy generated can create jobs by powering regionally appropriate light industry. Products are manufactured while the train is in motion. Making products during shipping reduces the time and energy it takes to get products to market. Eco-friendly manufacturing and shipping reduces emissions.   
 

•    Library / Bookstore 
A railcar can be set up as a library. When regular stops are made in a community books can be checked out and returned. If there are passenger coaches a reading area could be included. Just published books could also be for sale. Availability of books would help increase rates of literacy.
 
•    Internet Cafe
A diner car can be transformed into an internet café. Patrons could get hot or cold beverages and use the café’s, or their own, computer to get on the Internet. Improved internet access would lead to a more informed populace. Device charging could also be available.  
 

•    Renewable Energy Store 
A railcar could be a showroom for the sales and service of solar and wind technologies. People could shop for home use. Installation and repair could be performed by qualified technicians. Home owners generating their own power will reduce dependency on public energy facilities.   
 

•    Bicycle Sales and Service 
Power could support the operation of a bicycle sales and service business. Bikes can be left at the bike shop to be repaired. An inventory of parts is needed to ensure repairs are done by the time the train returns. Bicycle sales and repairs will encourage people to use carbonless transportation.  
 

•    Small Engine Repair
Mechanics could fix various small engines while the train is in motion. Some equipment can be converted to solar power. A parts inventory ensures repairs or conversions are finished by the time the train comes back. 
 

•    Food Preparation 
Power can be used for kitchens to serve meals. To go hot meals could be prepared for humanitarian hunger relief or for victims of natural disasters. A commercial kitchen could prepare meals for sale. Passengers could have meals in a dining room railcar. Organics would be collected for composting. 
 

•    Mushroom Farm
Fungi can be propagated to supply a nutritious food source. Mushrooms are grown and harvested while the train is in motion. When the train makes scheduled stops the mushrooms are sold. A mushroom farm could decrease food insecurity. Political unrest due to food shortages could be reduced.   
 

•    Laundry
A railcar could be set up to wash clothes with a spinner to remove excess water. Customers would air dry laundry at home to conserve energy. Wastewater from the laundry could be used for flushing toilets onboard then treated. Improved hygiene reduces illness. Healthier people are more productive.   
 

•    Museum
Local heritage could be celebrated by a mobile museum that has new exhibits on a regular basis. Touring exhibits like those of King Tut could also be displayed. The museum would foster appreciation of local and global history. Knowledge of the past can prevent the same mistakes from being made again.     
 

•    Music / Ballet  
Performers could rehearse while the train is in motion. Local, regional, and prominent performers could put on performances when the train stops to make deliveries of energy, perishable foods, water, fuel, compost, or passengers. The venue could provide big name performers with a ‘working vacation’.  
 

•    Artist Studio/Gallery 
Power could be used for studio space for local or regional artists. Picturesque scenery provides plenty of material for painters. A gallery would give the artists a retail outlet. Tourists or other passengers could buy fine art as a souvenir of their trip. 
 

•    Mobile Office  
Power can be used for lighting, computers, and office equipment. Many types of offices could be offered. Combined with other options an office worker could eat, sleep, and work without leaving the train during the week. Increased worker focus could result in higher productivity.  
 

•    Movie Theatre
A passenger car can be converted to a movie theatre. The conversion could be temporary during a layover. Adding a portable screen, projector, and concession stand takes minimal effort. In addition to selling tickets to movies, traditional concessions like popcorn, drinks, etc. could be sold. 
 

•    Gym for Recreation / Fitness
A passenger car can be converted into a fitness center. Weights, ping pong or pool table, hot tub, sauna, boxing, judo, yoga classes, etc. could be made available. Daycare would be provided while parents work out. Other sports equipment could be provided for local games.

 
Check out the virtual prototype Video to see how the technology works. To see a scale model (without airfoils) check out the Photos. Technology and Patents have additional info.