Electric Rate for PRT/DM

[Jay Andress]

This isn't a very interesting subject but it could make a difference in selling PRT/DM systems. The electric rate for residential use includes a considerable amount for distribution charges. Because there is no distribution with a PRT/DM system the actual rate we use in projections of operating expenses should be considerably less than the regular rate. I originally started looking at this subject based on a comment made by Jerry Roane that wholesale electric prices were only 3.9 cents per Kwh. Basically any local electric utility in the country can buy wholesale electricity off the grid for this price. When I looked at my utility bill it clearly indicates about 25% of the bill is for distribution charges (there were other miscellaneous charges that were not fully detailed but could also be distribution charges). Based on my electric bill the correct charge for a DM or PRT system electric charge would be less than 6 cents per Kwh (and perhaps as low as 4 cents per Kwh).

   I have been using 8 to 9 cents per Kwh in my projections (including my paper that I prepared for TRB that shows a 65% annual rate of return for dual mode). The new lower figure of 6 cents per Kwh will make the benefits of electric rail technology even better. I was wondering if anyone else has studied this subject of electric rates for PRT/DM?
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                                                                                                      Jay

[Michael Weidler]

From where are you planning to get your electricity? Will it not need to be "distributed"? --- On Fri, 11/20/09, Jay Andress <andre...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Dave Petrie]

Excerpt from Role of the Small EV in Mass Transit (EVS-13 Osaka, October 1996):

 

"Energy Consumption: Energy cost to transport 32 microcars is $0.18/km (based on 10 km inter-station spacing, average speed of 150 km/h $0.027/kwh@ 50kv feed). In comparison, the energy costs (from the same utility) to drive each microcar are $0.006/km, but at less than half the transporter speed."

 

This was based on a computer simulation done by  HSST* engineers from my description of the DM system.

 

* (proven maglev, developed in the seventies, demonstrated at two World's Fairs, one public system in Nagoya installed in 2005)

----- Original Message -----

From: Jay Andress

To: transport-...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 3:08 PM

Subject: [t-i] Electric Rate for PRT/DM

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[Jay Andress]

Dave,

 

   I'm a little bit confused...are you stating that your electric costs are only 2.7 cents? Any support for that number?

 

                                                                         Jay

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new contact info: jay.a...@monomobile.com

[Jay Andress]

Michael,

 

   I think that you would agree with me that it doesn't require the same level of distribution needed for residential service.

   Even for the charging of electric vehicles at the house during the evening (our MonoMobile has an onboard battery that would need charging) the coming installations of smart meters will mean that electric rates will vary dramatically based on time of day. I would imagine that the rate would be as low as 5 cents per Kwh. The Tesla people use a rate of only 4 cents per Kwh to claim their 220 miles per gallon equivalency (this is apparently the nightime rate in some areas of California). I think that they are stretching the arguement...but I guess if you can buy a $100,000 car who cares about a $1 per day!!!

 

                                                                                   Jay

[Dave Petrie]

You should note that this is an industrial feed. When you provide your own step-down transformers, you get lower prices. Also note that this was 13-years ago.