Turbine generates energy from L.A. Metro subway airflow
It is projected that the 10-foot airflow equipment could generate more than 28,000 kWh per year – enough to power about 12 homes in California for one year, or turn out approximately $6,000 per year in electrical production.
Mass airflow collection equipment photo courtesy Metro
1 min to read
Mass airflow collection equipment photo courtesy Metro
Evan Rosenberg/Metro
LOS ANGELES — From August through September 2013, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) conducted a one-month pilot program to see if wind energy could safely and effectively be captured and used, The Source reported.
Ad Loading...
The project involved installing a 10-foot multi-blade mass airflow collection equipment (MACE) in the Red Line subway tunnel. Each time a train left the station, the MACE fan blades would start spinning, thus capturing energy up to a minute before the train actually passed by.
During the run of the pilot program, the MACE generated an average of 77.7 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day. It is projected that the 10-foot MACE section could generate more than 28,000 kWh per year–enough to power about 12 homes in California for one year, or turn out approximately $6,000 per year in electrical production, according to The Source report. For the full story, click here.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.