3 ms·
How about solar-powered planes? I would assume not having to carry an energy source (except for emergency use) is a huge efficiency win. And it's always sunny
by waqf 11y ago
How about solar-powered planes? I would assume not having to carry an energy source (except for emergency use) is a huge efficiency win. And it's always sunny in the stratosphere (well, not at night).
- akiselev 11y agoThere's a very strict limitation on solar planes that depends on the panel efficiency and other material science avances as well as the shape and, especially, its height. The bigger you make the jet, the more of its surface you have to cover with solar panels. However, while the mass grows geometrically with the size because of volume, the surface area of the panels only grows exponentially (x^3 vs x^2). Just like with single celled organisms: at some point the surface area can no longer absorb enough energy to support the massive machinery. There are tricks to increase surface area but the panels still have to face the sun so you're forced to make planes short vertically but very long horizontaly. I don't think existing airports would be able to support such a different design.
- obataroter 11y ago> geometrically [...] exponentially Cubically and quadratically?
- ajuc 11y agoI suspect that you can also add a thin layer of solar panels with wiring stretched between wings and tail, increasing usable surface significantly, without big changes in volume, mass, or drag.