Chennai trains Choo-choo-choose Solar!
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has launched a new project in association with IIT Madras to design coaches that will use solar panels to power train lighting.
India’s railway system is the largest in the world and heavily depends on fossil fuels and electricity. The introduction of solar energy will reduce energy usage and help sustain the economy for longer.
Currently, the trains’air conditioners are being powered by diesel power cars that are attached to the train or AC coaches that generate power from the speed of the train.
AC coaches frequently have difficulty with the battery system needed to power the self-generator that’s fixed near the wheels of the coach. With India’s intense heat and overcrowded coaches, failing air conditioners is a serious problem.
“We have started preliminary discussions with professors to work out different modalities to develop a feasible model to use solar power in running trains,” said a senior ICF official.
ICF has already set up windmills to generate power in the southern districts of India. The renewable power is already being supplied to the grid.
Topic of the Day!
Do you think it’s time for Australian trains to adopt solar energy?
We’d love to hear what YOU have to say, so please leave comments.
