Western 52
Established Member
At this time of year, with cold air outside and heating running at high settings on trains, a vast amount of heat energy is lost through the doors each time they open at stations. This is especially noticeable on trains where external doors open directly from the saloons, such as class 150. Sometimes trains idle away in stations, doors wide open and heating full on. Nationally, a vast amount of energy is being lost in this way, and maybe someone has tried to estimate the cost – in both monetary and carbon costs. In summer, energy used to cool and air condition the train may also be lost through open doors.
So, is there a solution? Many shops have a similar problem, with main doors remaining open. Many have a solution though – they use a hot air “curtain” to direct warm air back into the building. In shops, automatic doors also help of course, as they close when not needed. Some trains and trams also have this feature these days, but many do not.
What should the railways be doing to reduce heat energy loss from trains?
So, is there a solution? Many shops have a similar problem, with main doors remaining open. Many have a solution though – they use a hot air “curtain” to direct warm air back into the building. In shops, automatic doors also help of course, as they close when not needed. Some trains and trams also have this feature these days, but many do not.
What should the railways be doing to reduce heat energy loss from trains?
