London Underground: Safety Checks Cause Metropolitan Line Disruption
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
These are the first three paragraphs.
Urgent safety checks are being carried out on trains running on the Metropolitan line section of the Tube, Transport for London (TfL) has said.
TfL is warning of severe disruption as engineers check over the entire fleet of trains – which also run on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
The trains were only introduced in 2010, but TfL said a fault had been identified on some of their wheels.
Obviously, safety is a priority and it will take some time to check all of the trains.
I have used these trains several times in the last few days and there are extended intervals between services.
Could Crossrail Come To The Rescue?
Consider.
- Crossrail has interchanges with the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and the Metropolitan Lines at Whitechapel, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Farringdon, Paddington and Ealing Broadway.
- Crossrail trains have been running between Paddington and Abbey Wood for a few months.
- Crossrail has good connections to the Central and Jubilee Lines.
Perhaps, opening Crossrail at a lower frequency may take the pressure off the system?
A Massive Task For Ukraine?
After the Russians are thrown out of Ukraine, it will be a massive task to rebuild Ukraine.
But one of Ukraine’s traditional industries can also be used to transform the world.
The Transformation Of Energy Production To Floating Offshore Wind
I believe that over the next few years, we will see an enormous transformation of zero-carbon energy to floating offshore wind.
- The floating offshore wind industry is planning to use the next-generation of larger wind turbines of up to 20 MW.
- These turbines are too large and intrusive to install onshore.
- Floating wind turbines generally have a higher capacity factor of over 50 %, than onshore turbines.
- Each wind turbine will be mounted on a substantial semi-submersible float, which is built out of large-diameter steel tubes
- The wind turbines are of the same design, as those installed onshore.
- There are several designs for the floats and they are usually based on designs that have worked in the oil and gas industry.
The world will need millions of floating turbines and an equivalent number of floats to fully decarbonise.
Could The Ukrainians Build The Floats?
Consider.
- The Russians have destroyed Mariupol, whilst the Ukrainians have defended the city in the steelworks.
- Mariupol used to have a large shipbuilding industry.
- Ukraine is in the world’s top ten of iron ore producers.
- There is a lot of scrap steel available in the Ukraine, that the Russians have left behind.
- The Ukrainians probably have a lot of workers, who have the skills to build the floats.
I’m sure something could be arranged for the benefit of everybody.
Two More Floating Wind Projects In The Celtic Sea
In Two Celtic Sea Floating Wind Projects Could Be Delivered By 2028, I said this.
There now appears to be four floating wind farms under development in the Celtic Sea between the South-West corner of Wales and the Devon and Cornwall Peninsular.
- Blue Gem Wind – Erebus – 100 MW Demonstration project – 27 miles offshore
- Blue Gem Wind – Valorus – 300 MW Early-Commercial project – 31 miles offshore
- Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy – Petroc – 300 MW project – 37 miles offshore
- Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy Llywelyn – 300 MW project – 40 miles offshore
But they do create a starter for a GW.
Last night, I found two other projects being developed in the Celtic Sea, under the collective name of the Llŷr Project.
The sponsoring company, which appears to be called Llŷr Wind has a web site, with a title of Harnessing Welsh Energy, which has this outline description underneath.
Situated off the Pembrokeshire coast, in southwest Wales, is a flagship project that could transform the world’s ability to generate renewable electricity from wind. The Llŷr projects are exploring the potential of two innovative floating offshore wind technologies.
The next statement is key.
Combined, the two 100MW projects will generate enough renewable electricity to power around 250,000 homes. If successful, we will be able to offer highly cost-effective, floating offshore wind farms to the rest of the world by 2030.
The Llŷr Project would appear to be a research project to find the best way to generate electricity using floating wind turbines in deep water.
- It appears that the two wind farms will use different floats for the turbines.
- The Llŷr projects are located in the approaches to the Bristol Channel in the Celtic Sea approximately 40 kilometres offshore at depths averaging 60-70 metres.
- These offshore sites enjoy high average windspeeds which are, typically, in excess of 10 metres per second. That is over twenty miles per hour.
- Each 100MW project will comprise 6 to 8 next-generation turbines which are too large to be deployed on land.
- 6 x 20 MW turbines will be 120 MW.
- 8 x 12 MW turbines will be 96 MW.
- Each project will have an offshore substation.
- There will be up to two connections for each substation.
- Will the Llŷr Projects test manufacturers’ new turbine designs?
- It is hoped that installation of the turbines will start in 2025/26, with power being delivered in 2026/7.
- The project is being developed by Floventis Energy, which is a joint venture of SBM Offshore and Cierco.
It does look to me that SBM Offshore, who are a Dutch company, are using their extensive oil and gas experience to develop floating offshore wind.
This appears to be a very well-thought out research project in a location, where there is everything needed.
- Lots of wind, which can be boosted by dragons if needed.
- Deep water.
- Ports for assembly of turbines onto floats.
- Steelworks and fabrication.
- Good electrical connections to the National Grid.
- Excellent universities.
- Good transport connections.
- An experienced engineering workforce.
There is also the ultimate potential of 50 GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
Conclusion
The Llŷr Project could have a very positive input into the worldwide development of floating offshore wind.
I have read the web sites of Floventis, SBM Offshore and Cierco and these companies appear to be aiming to dominate the floating offshore wind industry.
Their strategy is stated on the Floventis web site.
Our strategy is simple. We plan to maximize the local benefits of our projects and minimize their impact. Our technologies are far more benign than conventional offshore wind and more suited for deployment in remote and sensitive environments.
Already driving demonstration projects in California and the UK, Floventis is building a portfolio of projects to take floating offshore wind, through a stepwise process – increasing project size, to full scale commercial development proposals by 2030.
We believe that the floating offshore wind industry is a model for a “just transition” to clean energy, at scale, which will reward communities, in the broadest sense, with skilled jobs and enhanced social equity.
I can certainly live with that! And I’m certain the world can too!
First ‘As New’ Refurbished Avanti West Coast Pendolino Takes To The Tracks
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail Advent.
The article gives these improvements to the Class 390 trains.
- 25,000 new Standard Class seats
- Conversion of one First Class carriage to provide 2,000 extra standard class seats.
- New onboard shop
- New lighting and carpets
- Passenger information screens (PIS)
- Additional luggage space in standard class
- Power points at every seat
- Refurbished toilets
- New First and Standard Premium seats
The only refurbished train in service is 390125, which operated the following services on the 25th April 2022.
- 0505 Manchester to Euston – Stops at Stockport, Crewe and Stafford
- 0807 Euston to Liverpool – Stops at Milton Keynes Central, Stafford and Runcorn
- 1047 Liverpool to Euston – Stops at Runcorn, Crewe and Stafford
- 1857 Euston to Manchester – Stops at Rugby, Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield and Stockport
It will be joined by a second refurbished train early next month.
HyPoint And GTL Ultra-Light Liquid Hydrogen Tanks Could Be A Jet Fuel Game Changer
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Hydrogen Fuel News.
This is a sentence from the article.
HyPoint and GTL have been developing a groundbreaking liquid hydrogen cryotank design that could turn the entire aircraft industry on its head.
It is claimed that these ultra-light tanks could give a four times increase in range for jet-fuelled aircraft.
The article also claims that HyPoint has developed a new ctype of fuel-cell that could make conventional jet fuel obsolete.
Occasionally, ideas come along, that are literally too good to be true! Usually, they are!
But this one could be the one in a hundred, that isn’t!
Visit the HyPoint web site and see what you think!
I also think, that the technology may have other applications, in addition to aviation.
New Trains Could Be Operating Through Flintshire From May But No Green Light For Two An Hour Service
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Deeside.com.
These are the first two paragraphs.
Transport for Wales (TfW) is aiming to bring a number of its new Class 230 trains into service on the Wrexham – Shotton – Bidston line next month, three years later than first planned.
However a two train per hour service promised by TfW from December 2021 is yet to be approved by the rail regulator due to an ongoing conflict with a freight operator.
The lateness of the new trains is down to the Covids.
This Google Map illustrates the ongoing conflict with the freight operator.
Note.
- The Borderlands Line running up the Eastern side of the map.
- Buckley station is at the North of the map.
- Pennyffordd station is at the South of the map.
- The Padeswood cement works is on a siding to the West of the line.
The problem is that when a cement train leaves the works, it blocks the railway line for an hour.
Improvements are obviously needed, if the two operators are to share this line.
The article suggests various ideas including Park-and-Ride facilities.
Moorgate Station – 26th April 2022
In July 2021, I wrote Down Into The Depths At Moorgate Station and I included this picture of the lift that connects the Northern and Elizabeth Lines.
For much of the last few months, this lift lobby has been full of builders junk piled along the right hand side.
But today, everything looked finished.
The yellow bars are the barrier to stop passengers taking a closer look.
When Will Crossrail Open?
Between Angel and London Bridge stations, there are four projects underway on the Northern Line.
The Rebuilding Of Old Street Station
This page on the Transport for London web site, describes the rebuilding of the station.
This is an extract.
In summer 2022 we will:
- Create an interim exit route through the main station entrance stairs while works continue on the above-ground part of the new entrance
- Complete final changes to the traffic layout and close Subway 3 over the weekend of 10, 11 and 12 June 2022.
Transport for London’s journey planner also indicates that up to the end of June, there will be no closures of Old Street station or the Northern Line through the station.
It would appear that this project is totally independent of the trains and access to the platforms.
The Bank Station Upgrade
As far as Angel, Old Street, Moorgate and London Bridge stations are concerned, these stations are generally not affected by the work at Bank, as one line between Moorgate and London Bridge stations is being replaced by another.
- The signalling will have to be thoroughly checked.
- Drivers will have to be trained.
- Station staff will have to be trained in the procedures in the new platform at Bank.
I have checked the closed sections of the Northern Line on Transport for London’s journey planner and found this.
- May 1st to May 19th – Northern Line closed between Moorgate and Kennington. As now!
- May 20th – Northern Line fully open
- May 21st to May 22nd – Northern Line closed between Archway and High Barnet
- May 23rd to May 31st – Northern Line fully open
Note.
- I haven’t checked June yet!
- Archway has a turnback siding to allow the High Barnet branch to be closed.
- All dates are 2022.
It does look that the new Southbound tunnel through Bank station could open on May 20th, which is a Friday.
Crossrail Opening
Transport for London’s journey planner provides some interesting information about TfL Rail services.
- May 1st – Slightly reduced service
- May 2nd to May 6th – Normal service
- May 7th to 8th – Slightly reduced service
- May 9th to May 19th – Normal service
- May 21st to 22nd – Slightly reduced service
- May 23rd to May 31st – Normal service
Note.
- The slightly reduced service has a few less early morning services and a possible reduced frequency. It only applies at weekends.
- Normal service is just that, although trains might not be stopping at all stations.
I wouldn’t be surprised to find, that Crossrail can open on any day, where normal service is running.
With the new Southbound tunnel of the Northern Line possibly opening on the 20th May, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Crossrail opening a few days before, so as to give the very busy part of the London Underground in the City of London, a good test.
The Crossrail Pedestrian Route Between Liverpool Street And Moorgate
I described this pedestrian route in London’s First Underground Roller Coaster and as it is part of the Crossrail pedestrian routes, I suspect it will open with Crossrail.
This picture shows a cross-section of the massive Liverpool Street Crossrail station, which will connect Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations when it opens in December 2018.
Note.
- Moorgate station is on the left.
- Liverpool Street station is on the right.
- In the middle looking like a giant juicer is the ventilation shaft in Finsbury Circus.
- The Crossrail tunnels, which consist of two running tunnels and a pedestrian walkway between them are at the deepest level.
- There are escalators and lifts all over the place.
The route will become an ideal walking route between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations in heavy rain, for those who don’t want to get wet.
But it could open earlier, as it would test the pedestrian tunnels.
A Planned Trip To Belfast
I’m thinking about going over to Belfast for a couple of days to have a look at the transport systems in the city and the wider Northern Ireland.
I have several things, I would like to do.
- Ride in the latest Wrightbus hydrogen and battery-electric buses.
- Ride in a Glider. I also intend to go to Pau to ride in a hydrogen-powered version of these Van Hool Equicity articulated buses, but Belfast is nearer.
- Perhaps, if I have enough time, I’ll visit a few touristy bits.
- Do a bit of research into offshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
Has anybody got any advice?
Knightsbridge Station – 25th April 2022
I wrote Development Of Knightsbridge Station on November 27th 2017.
It is now a few days short of four years and five months later and the station looks a bit different.
Note.
- The original station entrance on the corner of Sloane Street and Knightsbridge is now a new retail unit for Burberry.
- The original entrance in front of Harvey Nicholls is still open.
- The entrance opened in 2017 on the North side of Knightsbridge is still open.
- The new step-free entrance with lifts, is behind the black hoarding to the right of the new Burberry.
- The pavements are wider around the frontage of Burberry, than they were, when it was the station entrance.
The station is intended to fully open with lifts to the Piccadilly Line by Summer 2022.
Conclusion
This Google Map shows the site of the original Sloane Street entrance.
Note.
- Knightsbridge running East-West across the top of the map.
- Brompton Road running towards the South-West and past Harrods.
- Sloane Street running North-South towards the right of the map.
- The London Underground roundel indication the old entrance.
- Thee large size of the development site.
Is this going to be the world’s most expensive step-free rebuild of a Metro station?
The development is being carried out by the owners of the site; the Knightsbridge Estate, who are ultimately owned by one of Saudi Arabia’s richest families.
On the Development page of the web site, this is said about improving the public realm.
Significant improvements are being made to the public realm. The pavements on Brompton Road and Sloane Street have been widened to ease the pedestrian flow, Hooper’s Court, which links Brompton Road and Basil Street, is being completely remodelled and the Knightsbridge underground station is being substantially upgraded. A brand new tube entrance is being created further west along Brompton Road, a step-free access via two 17-person lifts located on Hooper’s Court will be introduced as well as on-platform cooling systems.
How many other tube stations are there in London with air-cooled platforms?
But then those, who buy the multi-million pound flats in this development, will expect a constant atmosphere between flat and platform. Remember too, that the New Tubes for London being built by Siemens for the Piccadilly Line will be air-conditioned.
Consortium Plan To Build & Operate Scotland’s First Low Carbon, Energy Efficient, Soil-Free Vertical Farms In The Central Belt
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from RheEnergise.
These four paragraphs introduce the project.
A consortium of four British companies have earmarked a series of sites between Dumbarton and Dundee for the locations of Scotland’s next generation of hectare+ scale vertical farms, powered by 100% Scottish renewables. These farms would provide locally produced fresh foods (salads and fruits) to over 60% of the Scottish population.
The vertical farms will help meet the Scottish Government’s ambitions to produce more homegrown fruit and vegetables. Each vertical farm would be powered by locally produced renewable energy.
Next generation vertical farms use advanced soil-free growing techniques and stack crops in specially designed beds and trays. They minimise water, fertiliser and pesticide use which is highly beneficial to the environment and make use of artificial lighting and climate control to get the desired results.
The V-FAST consortium comprises UK Urban AgriTech (UKUAT), Vertegrow Ltd, Light Science Technologies Ltd and RheEnergise Limited, the UK energy storage company.
The press release is certainly worth a detailed read.
The Anonymous Widower 