10 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

batteries that can be cut in half (bag like) and still provide safe electrical current

 

Yep, that would be solid state. I'm sure you've seen the videos where they ram a nail through a lithium ion battery and marvel at the fireworks. Well with solid state batteries you can cut through them with scissors, no fireworks and the battery still works. 

Great strides are being made with ultracapacitors too. In fact there's a new Lamborghini that utilises ultracaps. Threes a also a company called Kilowatt Labs who say they have  supercapacitors that have the same form factor and energy density as lithium ion. They also say the supercapacitor can discharge energy slowly like a battery. Incredible if true. Huge lifespan and charges in seconds. 

Structural batteries are being worked on of course, which will be a huge befit for aviation, saving a ton of weight. 

The list of battery technologies in the lab is endless. NanoBolt lithium tungsten, zinc-manganese oxide, organosilicone batteries, gold nanowire batteries and many more. 

10 hours ago, dave2013 said:

I think we can all agree that more money should be spent on solar power and battery research and development.

Dave

 

You're desperate for that cat point aren't you? Your first. Keep it up, you are on the road.

😀

16 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

. but I do know moderators can review member PMs

Really? That's news to me. Only when invited into the conversation. That's the whole point of the word private.

17 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

There was also a series on Battery development that was excellent

If this was on youtube,  could I get a link?  I'd love to learn.

Talking of solar power......I am currently busy adding solar panel models close to major UK airports in P3Dv4.

Edited March 22, 20224 yr by Christopher Low

On 3/20/2022 at 5:27 PM, dave2013 said:

I think we can all agree that more money should be spent on solar power and battery research and development.

I agree.  And also on fusion.  

Smaller solar panels that take less of a footprint on the ground would make solar more acceptable than the 1400 acres of solar panels we have just outside of the city where I live.

Noel

I need a new roof (not ME you smarty-pants, it's my house that needs a new roof).  Sure would be nice if I could install roofing shingles that collected solar energy.

7 minutes ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

This is the part I don't understand, a home's roof makes for a perfect location, no need to go using up ground space.  Like I said earlier solar panels don't have to be rectangles, they have some that look like standard roof tiles (shingles or Mediterranean style).  Most (not all) home roofs are of sufficient size to provide more than enough electricity for a home ... apartment/condo roofs are more of an issue because of the smaller roof area that covers many dwellings.  

Cheers, Rob.

 

You can cover the sides of apartment buildings and skyscrapers in solar panels, at least the sides predominantly in the sun, as well as the roof. There is also research into solar windows that would be a great fit for taller buildings as well. Malls, warehouses, parking lots and other developed areas would also make for great solar power locations.

The larger problem isn't really the solar panels themselves, but the regulations that get in the way of much of the above. In many, if not most jurisdictions, you run into issues with being considered an electric company or utility and other local bylaws or restrictions. And then there is the problem that our electrical grids are still designed around fewer point sources and distribution from there, where as with solar and renewables, we need to shift to a more distributed smart grid.

8 minutes ago, Mace said:

I need a new roof (not ME you smarty-pants, it's my house that needs a new roof).  Sure would be nice if I could install roofing shingles that collected solar energy.

Depending on your budget and availability, it is possible.

https://www.tesla.com/solarroof

just watched this the other day

 

11 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

This is the part I don't understand, a home's roof makes for a perfect location, no need to go using up ground space.  Like I said earlier solar panels don't have to be rectangles, they have some that look like standard roof tiles (shingles or Mediterranean style).

 

Tesla roof tiles are almost invisible from the ground. Look very nice they do. Although Tesla are having a few issues currently with installation time and availability. Quite a few manufactures make solar roof tiles.

 

 

 

On 3/21/2022 at 3:19 AM, martin-w said:

Don't like pubs. Don't drink... well, except for when I steal the gin

I have a half glass of red wine just before going to bed at night.  It's supposed to be good for you but I like it anyway.

Noel

23 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

This is the part I don't understand, a home's roof makes for a perfect location

My roof is in the shade most of the day.  I have two large Junipers on the west side of the house and two very large (70ft) pecan trees on the east side of my house.  I would assume that would make a big difference if I were contemplating conversion to solar.

Noel

It's a goblet sized wine glass Rob.  I'm not a drinker.  If offered a can of beer at a party I'll drink it and up to a few months ago only a glass of wine with Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

A half glass is enough for me.  

I keep the bottle and drink the wine at room temperature so I don't need solar panels to refrigerate it.  (Just getting back to the main subject so the thread isn't closed).

Noel

9 hours ago, Rob_Ainscough said:

My mom has 2-3 glasses every night ... and she's 90 ... dementia ... but otherwise healthy.  How bigs the glass? 🙂

 

 

Sample size of ONE Rob. 😀 

Research is not exactly definitive, results are very mixed,  but it looks like resveratrol in red wine may be beneficial. As long as its not overdone, nothing wrong with it.