Microgrid. To facilitate the distribution of its renewable energy system, STE includes a DC fiberoptic microgrid as part of the Hydrail right-of-way.  The microgrid will transmit power from the solar and wind generation sites plus market excess power to the national grid.

Hydrail. STE has adopted the use of hydrogen to power its Hydrail commuter coach system. Hydrail systems are being implemented in Europe (Stadler Rail) (Alstom), Japan (JREast) and China (CRRC Datong ) with great results. Hydrail brings the traveling public, proven safe, efficient, clean, net-zero transportation conquering the ills of pollution, road congestion and car infrastructure dependence.

It logically follows that to run a Hydrail system, STE needed to have a hydrogen source to power individual coach fuel cell/electric motor hydrail coaches.  Unfortunately, the U.S. has also been far behind moving from finite carbon power-based systems to infinite sustainable systems. Hydrogen can be electrolyzed from water (H2O), stored in the STE hydrogen pipeline and, through a fuel cell, use the hydrogen electrons to create electric current powering the individual, non-polluting hydrail coach electric motors. After the electrons have created the electrical current, they again combine with oxygen molecules and become H20 (water) again. This sustainable process replaces the present pollution process of combusting the irreplaceable finite carbon fuels.

Providing the electrical power needed to electrolyze water into hydrogen, STE created its own sea-change sustainable solar generation/transmission/storage/power microgrid system. This self-contained, renewable, green, linear microgrid includes the implementation of a (a) system-wide, synergistic,  power-generating STE SolarRibbon©,(b) a network of solar farms, (c) Community Opportunity Stations’ and Sustainable Villages’ local solar power generation sites, (d) strategically-networked hydrogen electrolysis generators, (e) NG hydrogen reforming/sequestration centers, (f) interconnected ROW hydrogen and water pipelines storage/distribution and (g) vertical axis wind turbine ROW power recovery system.

Energy Backup. At one time, finite energy resources, wood and  whale oil, were “the best” energy resources but the supply-demand pressures of the day soon cut their viability short.  The same could be said for finite carbon-based power resources.  Carbon-based fuels, because of their quantity and supply chain advantages have been the cornerstone of advanced human development.  The new age of renewable energy power generation has many environmental pluses but does not have the variable ramp up and down capabilities of its carbon-based partners. As STE designed its business plan, it became apparent that a backup power supply system needed to be included and part of the system.  STE has met this challenge by including two renewable energy backup/redundancy capabilities to support  its total energy system.  The hydrogen pipeline serves as one of the nations first such backup systems synergistically using the Hydrail Commuter Rail ROW milage for hydrogen storage creating multiple miles of H2 pipeline. Hydrogen can be drawn from the pipeline at any Community Opportunity Station and used to generate electricity for the COS, Sustainable Villages or the STE Microgrid to grid connections. The second backup system is a network of battery islands located at each COS that can be taped for additional power when needed.

“SmoothRide Railbeds©”. Unlike 1800s railbed technology, still in use, STE’s SmoothRide Railbeds© have been designed to provide a continuous smooth, non-rocking, non-bouncing traveling experience. It’s consistency and smoothness provide for faster and cheaper installation, has a lifespan of 50-75 years, creates a more comfortable smooth ride and sets the stage for future maglev applications.

Express Off-Line Stations. Many train and commuter services are critically slow and inconvenient to travelers when total time from point A to B includes multiple stops. Although a transportation system may be capable of fast speeds, its total transport time is lengthened considerably by the frequent stops. Of course, the more stops, the more time and energy is consumed, vehicles amass more ware and tare,  more maintenance is required, vehicle life cycle costs escalate, more driver time/cost is needed and more stress is placed on riders. STE recognized these travel hinderances and has included double tracking through all station exchanges.  This much more efficient system allows for local, regional and express services to  travel from one point to another without unnecessary stops, equipment ware and tare, wasted time, personnel expenses or traveler stress.

Silent Crossings. Locations where rail and car intersections are necessary, are the most dangerous sites for both rail and cars.  Additionally, required loud warning signals, mandatory car stopping, crossing guards and increased road maintenance all make crossings undesirable inconveniences.  STE noted these situations in their research and incorporated silent crossings for all  public roadways. This technology includes  overpasses on which the Hydrail can travel and under which  car traffic can travel seamlessly on its route without slowing down.  This convenience also  removes intersection safety and noise concerns.

Community Opportunity Stations (COS). The STE boarding and destination sites are Community Opportunity Stations (COS). So named to express the true nature of a rail station from bygone days. Each station, instead of being station “A” or “2”, is designated a country name.  This randomly selected country designation, much like The Disney’s EPCOT Park, will enable the nearby community businesses, education,  and interest groups to broaden their perspective and specialize in a different country’s culture, food, beverages, music, art,  clothing and other opportunities.  Local and distant travelers, on the STE Hydrail System can  plan visits to “different countries” creating  easily-accessible sister-city, education and global experiences.

First and Last Mile Services. STE is providing Community Opportunity Station boarding sites at approximately every two miles of its route. To better accommodate the use of the Hydrail Commuter System by commuters, families, senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities, STE is providing first and last mile services for its riders.  These programable and robotic services will shuttle persons to and from boarding and destination sites at the beginning and the end of a trip. Another STE service, maximizing service and rider mobility,  is providing commuters renewable energy economy rental vehicles. Riders may schedule or negotiate a monthly lease to have “their” 1^st/Last vehicle waiting at the station.

Vehicle H2 Refueling and EV Charging. Adoption of electric and hydrogen powered vehicles has been a slow process even though the technologies have been available for decades. One of the reasons for the slow adoption process can be closely linked to the availability of charging and H2 refueling station .  STE’s 21^st Century transportation vision provides riders and non-riders with these services at each Community Opportunity Station (every two miles). This is made possible through STE’s renewable energy microgrid and system-wide hydrogen services pipeline.

Bike/Ped Healthways©. Synergistic use of the STE Hydrail right-of-way includes the establishment of a bike/ped Healthway© traversing the entire length (est. 200 miles) of the STE Hydrail system.  Rest facilities, picnic sites and natural greenways are included in this feature as well as connections with existing bike/ped routes, where communities desire.

Carbon Capture. Each COS is equipped with carbon capture technologies to physically remove and sequester carbon particulates from the air (11).

Broadband Backbone. Establishing the STE right-of-way provides an excellent opportunity broaden internet services.  A fiber optics broadband backbone is part of the ROW infrastructure. This system will serve the Community Opportunity Stations, communities along the way and provide the “first mile” of service to rural locations.