wampuswrangler t1_ishwx8f wrote on October 16, 2022 at 2:52 AM

Reply to comment by RevRagnarok in Real Post from this AM by Brief_Exit1798

I only learned about this recently as well, was unaware there is currently steam distribution in Baltimore. There's talk of reviving and expanding steam distribution in cities as a replacement for natural gas heating in an effort to reduce co2 emissions. Since steam is a byproduct of electricity generation and other industrial processes it is essentially a free source of heat that just needs to be piped and distributed across a city. It was commonplace 100 years ago, it would be cool to see it make a comeback.

RevRagnarok t1_isj0u5z wrote on October 16, 2022 at 10:41 AM

I actually read a good chunk of that article and the 5G concept is insane[ly awesome if viable]. Like a supermarket pumping heat into a loop to cool the groceries that a neighbor takes out to warm a building.

wbruce098 t1_isj4jwq wrote on October 16, 2022 at 11:29 AM

Pretty cool concept but they’d need to find a solution that isn’t just releasing steam into the streets. Sometimes driving through downtown, you can’t see the car in front of you. Fun times! (I know there’s a few in stacks on the sidewalk, though)

wampuswrangler t1_isjwoks wrote on October 16, 2022 at 3:29 PM

The nature if a distribution system would make that pretty hard, like asking for a water system that doesn't leak. But agreed, if something becomes a hazard with a steam leak then it should need to get fixed asap because steam can be dangerous.