Pitch
Combining the flexibility of the car with the efficiency of the train makes it possible to increase mobility and 100% powered by renewables
Description
Summary
RUF (Rapid Urban Flexible) which has been developed and tested at a test track in Denmark, can be implemented following this plan:
1) Implement RUF as Public Transport using small electric dualmode busses (maxi-ruf) driving on a network of electric guideways and delivering passengers in the local areas using a local chauffeur. This way, the system can offer fast attractive door-to-door public transport where everybody are assured a seat.
2) Implement public RUF cars from parking rails spread around in the city
3) Implement private mass produced RUF cars. They work as very safe self driving cars on the monorail and manually driving cars on the streets driven by small batteries which are being charged from the monorail.
The special RUF drive system allows for a 3 times reduction of rolling resistance. The platooning of vehicles during rush hours allow for a 3 times reduction of air resistance (or more depending on the vehicle design).
A special hybrid unit can extend the range, so that the transition from the conventional car will be smooth
4) Implement distribution of small goods automatically in smal RUF containers using the same drive system as the maxi-ruf.
For more info about RUF please download:
www.ruf.dk/recommendations.pdf
What actions do you propose?
The most important step is to realize that Business As Usual is not an option.
It is also important to start with the much needed Public Transport innovation.
If a convincing test track for RUF is operational, the politicians will be confident that the technology will work even if the companies delivering train and bus systems will try to talk them away from any innovation.
A small test track has been created for RUF in Denmark and a new and larger is being planned right now (spring 2016).
The cost of a test track is only a tiny fraction of the money invested in traditional systems and when the system has been fully developed it means that transport projects can become both more attractive and a lot cheaper.
Many people will find that a kind of Public Transport which can bring them to work faster than the car and without worrying about parking will be attractive and many will choose it.
Who will take these actions?
The first test track for RUF was financed by a combination of private and public money.
The next step will be more expensiv, but still in the range of what is possible for an industrial investor.
RUF International will then invite decision makers from all over the world to see the technology working before deciding to implement it.
Where will these actions be taken?
The next test track is planned to be placed in the city of Koege outside Copenhagen Denmark
How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?
The energy consumption from using the RUF system will be reduced by a factor of 3 for a RUF car and a factor of 6 from a maxi-ruf compared to driving a normal car.
The energy is electric and can be delivered 100% from renewable sources, so the only CO2 emission is from the production of the system and the vehicles.
Small batteries in the RUF cars can deliver a range of at least 30 miles via the normal roads.
Larger, high temperature batteries will supply the power lines in the RUF monorail with 600 V DC, so the the fluctuations of renewable sources can be eliminated.
What are other key benefits?
Fast and predictable commuter times are of immense important in a modern active society.
The driving comfort on the monorail will be superior compared to driving a train where you can experience side-to-side accelerations which will prevent you from being able to work while you move. In a RUF system you have your rolling office with excellent internet access all the time since the internet is placed inside the monorail itself.
Monorail placed on top af 4 m high masts will not make any barriere, so that the social life in the city can be more safe.
Noise from this system is very minimal, since the noise from smooth tires is very low and furthermore the low noise is screened from the surroundings.
What are the proposal’s costs?
RUF Danmark was part of an EU research group called CyberCars / CyberMove.
EU financed an analysis of the economical impacts of a supposed RUF network covering the Greater Copenhagen area.
The calculations can be found at:
An investment of approx. 3 billion EURO resulted in a result of :
IRR(30) = 29%
Time line
2016-2018 Building of test track in Denmark
2018- 2030 Implementing of Public Transport network worldwide, probable starting in India where a contract has been signed regarding all future RUF projects in India. They are just waiting for the test track.
2030 - 2100 Mass production of individual RUF cars with different design and user friendly features
In the future most local transport in the cities will be by bike or by RUF Public Transport. Between cities RUF cars or maxi-ruf will be dominant.
The RUF standard will make it possible to drive anywhere in the world.
The monorail network will cover all interesting land areas and the interior will be used to protect critical infrastructure such as the internet and power exchange between regions.
Short range air transport will be eliminated. People will use the version of a maxi-ruf where they can sleep while it moves over 1000 km during the night.
Related proposals
References
www.ruf.dk/bytrafik.doc(in Danish) financed by the Danish Government
RUF has been presented at numerous international conferences
The most recent article about RUF has appeared in the German car magazine AUTO BILD no. 39 in 2015