2010-05-13
KMB to conduct trial of zero-emission Supercapacitor Bus
KMB is planning to introduce a zero-emission
supercapacitor bus to
Hong Kong for a trial in
July 2010.
The supercapacitor bus is an electric bus powered by supercapacitor technology.
When fully charged, a fully air-conditioned supercapacitor bus can run continuously for 5 km. Unlike trolley buses, the supercapacitor bus does not require an extensive network of continuous overhead cables to operate. Because of its
rapid charging speed, the supercapacitor technology is well suited for bus operations, which typically require frequent stops within relatively short distances.
Rapid charging can be conducted at bus stops while passengers board and alight, taking approximately 30 seconds for 1 km of power.
Edmond Ho, KMB Managing Director, said, “KMB is committed to environmental protection and has been studying the feasibility of applying various green technologies to buses. We believe the supercapacitor bus holds the best promise in the near term. We are therefore introducing the bus to Hong Kong for a trial.”
The supercapacitor bus is a truly green bus because it produces zero roadside emissions. As the supercapacitor does not rely on chemical reactions to store electrical energy, it is more environmentally friendly than battery-based electric engines. Furthermore, the supercapacitor can most effectively
capture energy from regenerative braking, making it more efficient in electricity consumption than trolley buses.
In terms of both economics and environmental performance, the supercapacitor bus is a more attractive technology than other low-emission or zero-emission green bus technologies currently available.
The supercapacitor bus has been in commercial operation in Shanghai for four years and is currently showcased on shuttle bus routes serving the Shanghai World Expo. Positive comments from passengers of the supercapacitor bus include a quieter and smoother ride than that on a conventional bus.
Several US cities are currently exploring introducing the supercapacitor bus technology for trials.
http://www.kmb.hk/en/news/press/arch...100513972.html
An electric bus that recharges itself at bus stops will go on trial on Hong Kong roads. The bus has a quick-charging electricity storage device.
“Chargers will be installed at our bus stops so that the bus can recharge while loading and offloading passengers, but we won’t need a charger at every stop to begin with,” When fully charged, the air-conditioned bus can travel for five kilometres with a full load and up to nine kilometres empty.
http://energy.cleartheair.org.hk/201...-at-each-stop/
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In March 2010 a more advanced variant of the RPEV was launched in Seoul, Korea. Known as the
On-Line Electric Vehicle (OLEV) the technology is being
tested on a 2.2km route at Seoul zoo which is served by a 'road train' that had previously been criticised for its diesel exhaust fumes. If the technology proves viable it will be installed along the bus lanes in many city streets, as buses account for 30% of all city traffic and electrifying them will have significant impact in reducing urban air pollution.
Further information can be found at this link which opens in a new window:-
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news...117_62152.html.
The On-Line Electric Vehicle (OLEV) gets its power supply from an electric facility underground without the use of surface power lines, through a
magnetic field that it transforms into electricity.