| > Not sure where you're getting that info. I just looked up NFPA 130 and it specifically calls for multiple types of insulation (for cables as well as concrete and steel) as well as automated water sprinkler systems, and even standpipes for firefighters. You're moving the goalpost and earlier insinuated that tunnels for subways require lining and other fire suppression systems. They do not. The automated sprinklers are needed for stations, but not the tunnel itself. Same for standpipes. The insulation for cables are a given, because you will need it for ALL tunnels. Not just HV cables, but ALL cables, including fibre and low-voltage cables. Thus, no difference. > Tesla doesn't use LIDAR but they do use ultrasonic sensors. Tesla's existing autopilot systems works just fine on completely dark, unlit roads. I don't see why these skates would be any different. Does Tesla's existing autopilot system using LIDAR/ultrasonic cameras have automated collision protection that does so without having to communicate with the other cars behind it traveling at 120mph to 150mph? No. You will need to modify the system to do this, and you will need to add the mesh network to the tunnels, among other things I described. > Even with fibre and low voltage power for access points (if even needed), you're still leagues away from the cost and complexity of a full tracked third-rail system. Agreed. Tracks and third rail are not cheap, comparative to not using them at all. > I'm not sure what you mean. Flexibility is cheaper. Being able to use a tunnel that is 500 feet long at a 10% grade is cheaper than having to build a tunnel that is 1500 feet long at 3% grade. How? If the total length of the overall tunnel is the same, the cost of materials are not substantially different. |
I haven't moved the goalposts whatsoever. My original comment, which you replied, to, specifically said that a significant part of the cost savings of this project involves the differences in station construction. Stations have always been part of the discussion.
I think you may be confused by the terminology. "Tunnel" does not mean only the trackway where trains travel. Subway stations can also be part of the "tunnel". This is why in my earlier comment I specifically said that "some tunnels require water sprinklers" - because the tunnel parts that are stations require them, even though the tunnel parts that are trackway do not.
>The insulation for cables are a given, because you will need it for ALL tunnels. Not just HV cables, but ALL cables, including fibre and low-voltage cables.
Sure, and the fact that you need significantly less cabling for this tunnel means that you will save on having to insulate those cables.
>Does Tesla's existing autopilot system using LIDAR/ultrasonic cameras have automated collision protection that does so without having to communicate with the other cars behind it traveling at 120mph to 150mph?
Yes? I'm not sure what the point of this question is. Tesla's current autopilot functions every day relying only on cameras and no communication with surrounding vehicles. If anything, the fact that you're removing the variability of cars on the road and will only be interacting with other skates makes this less of a problem.
>How? If the total length of the overall tunnel is the same, the cost of materials are not substantially different.
The total length of the tunnel isn't the same. In my above example, 500 ft vs 1500 ft.