By Joe Giacona, Market Manager - Transportation
It is interesting how advances in technology have forced their way into just about every aspect of our world and drive improvements in efficiency that benefit us all.
Mass transit in North America provides a great example of this. The term “mass transit” (i.e. public transportation) is typically characterized by modes of travel such as buses, subways and trains – generally in greater metropolitan areas.
Most people don’t realize how many advances have taken place in mass transit over the past 5-10 years, and how these vital improvements have directly benefitted the environment by proportionately reducing energy consumption.
Gone are the colossal smoke billows of yesteryear – replaced by clean diesel burning engines, alternative fuels (such as CNG), hybrid electric powered vehicles, state-of-the-art HVAC systems and controls.
As technology advances, ridership has increased significantly. Since 2004, the population has grown 7% and passenger transit miles have increased by 15%, all while highway travel has not significantly increased. This comparison exemplifies the important role mass transit plays in reducing the nation’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
The combination of reduction in private passenger vehicle travel, reduced automobile congestion, and decrease in accrued vehicle mileage is directly related to the accessibility of mass transit which conserves over 4 billion gallons of gasoline and 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Calculator, it would require 7.2 million acres of new pine or fir forests per year to match the annual carbon dioxide reductions provided by public transportation. Priced at $3.60 per gallon, the annual conservation of 4 billion gallons of gasoline saves the U.S. consumer $14.4 billion per year (Source: APTA 2013 Fact Book).
Technological advances have been the impetus for state-of-the-art HVAC systems and controls in transit and rail vehicles. ebm-papst fans play a leading role in providing comfort to millions of people on thousands of transit vehicles every day. ebm-papst brushless EC fans are considered the “gold standard” by many HVAC and bus manufacturers worldwide. By delivering better air flow and higher efficiencies than brushed alternatives, ebm-papst has earned this brand recognition. Our fans provide energy and fuel savings in all modes of operation. ebm-papst EC motor technology also allows manufacturers to take further steps to reduce power consumption by offering variable speed capability; this automatically ties fan speed to actual cooling/heating demand.. The unparalleled reliability and performance of ebm-papst fan technology, combined with operational efficiency, provide end-users unmatched value and comfort.
To learn more, visit the transportation section of our Market Solutions Tool or contact
About Joe Giacona
Joe Giacona knows that HVACR components within transportation systems must deliver performance and reliability over the long haul. As market manager – transportation at ebm-papst, Joe’s 30+ years of diverse experience in HVACR help him recommend the best ebm-papst products to heat and cool customers’ buses, trains, trucks and other vehicles across North America. Joe actively supports the company’s market development, forecasting, field sales coordination and customer relations. He holds a B.S. in physics from Brockport State College and a B.S. in industrial engineering from the University of Buffalo. In his free time, Joe enjoys cooking for his family, do-it-yourself projects, keeping his 1960 Corvette Roadster in peak form, and making wine from New York and California grapes.