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Subsections

Modular versus monolithic System

    


Relative advantages of the modular system

  • Broader spectrum of services,
    i.e. possible door-to-door transport $\Rightarrow$ higher usage.
  • Optimum adaptation of carrier technology
    Allows profitable application to the most diverse transport requirements.

  • Double usage of carrier. Carrier can transport person cabins during day-time and freight cabins during the night.
    $\Rightarrow$ the majority of the invested capital (Carrier+Track) can work during a great part of the day.

  • Future proof:     
    Newly developed transport technologies can be integrated in the MAIT network.



During the day: Person-transport \includegraphics[width=40mm]{fig_victoria.ps} At night: freight-transport \includegraphics[width=40mm]{fig_delivery.ps}


Flexible solutions for a transient phase

Step by step introduction:
    
1.
MAIT as flexible freight transportation system within an industrial area.
2.
MAIT island-network operate locally
as public transport.
3.
island-networks get connected by
faster inter-city lines
4.
MAIT network is expanded and
refined by street-carriers.

Coexistence with present transportation systems:
    
during a transient phase, cabins could be loaded on conventional transport systems
i.e. trains or ships.



\begin{center}\vbox{\input{fig_net_victoria_html.pstex_t} }\end{center}
The figure shows a possible MAIT network around Victoria station, London, UK. It sill needs to be verified by computer simulation whether such a network can actually cope with the enormous amount of traffic at this point. However, it gives an imagination on how different carrier types (here road- and guideway carriers) can interact via carrier exchangers to represent a seamless transportation network. Note that there are stops of the road carrier network (blue squares) in front of almost every building.

Problems with the modular approach




  • Carrier-Overhead
    $\Rightarrow$ Minimisation by optimization of logistics.
  • Carrier-Transfer-Points
    $\Rightarrow$ Minimisation by optimization of network topology and choice of carrier technology.
  • Flexible carrier interface
    $\Rightarrow$ optimization by
    • Cost-minimization,

    • Weight-minimization,

    • Minimization of error sources.

The total number of carriers without cabins is called the carrier overhead .

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