| Hello, we here at Speculative Evolution have noticed a recent increase in the number of guests visiting our community. While being a guest does allow you to browse the forum at a basic level, it does not give you access to everything. There are many things that guests cannot see, and therefore we urge you to join our us so that you may contribute to our community and the projects we are undertaking. If you would like to register, please click the link below. If you are already a member, please ignore this message and log in. Thank you for your cooperation. Join our community! |
| Solar Pipe Dreams | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Jun 27 2009, 09:41 PM (442 Views) | |
| El Squibbonator | Jun 27 2009, 09:41 PM Post #1 |
Recovering EVAholic
|
Do you think it would be possible for an aircraft the size (and capacity) of a Boeing 747 to fly efficiently on solar power alone? What about a solar-powered vehicle that could break the sound barrier? Do you think that's possible? |
 |
 
|
| Parasky | Jun 28 2009, 08:26 PM Post #2 |
The Great Wizzard
|
Perhaps, but solar cells are going to definitely become way more efficient first. |
|
|
|
| lamna | Jun 29 2009, 02:50 AM Post #3 |
What is best in life?
|
Above the weather there is plenty of sunlight, but faster than sound? I doubt it. |
|
|
|
| Parasky | Jun 29 2009, 02:27 PM Post #4 |
|
The Great Wizzard
|
It would work better if you took an airship and covered it in fabric filled with tiny solar cells. Airships may not move as fast but they carry more people and cargo and have a more comfortable environment. Plus if they do run out of power they won't fall from the sky, and crashing doesn't mean slamming into the ground going hundreds of miles an hour. |
|
|
|
| lamna | Jun 29 2009, 02:48 PM Post #5 |
|
What is best in life?
|
Airships like that could replace communication satellites if you had enougth of them. And it could be much cheaper. |
|
|
|
| El Squibbonator | Jul 1 2009, 06:58 PM Post #6 |
|
Recovering EVAholic
|
Yeah, but could they replace the Boeing 747? |
|
|
|
| lamna | Jul 2 2009, 02:38 AM Post #7 |
|
What is best in life?
|
Possibly. People don't seem to be in enough of a hurry to fly supersonic. |
|
|
|
| Parasky | Jul 12 2009, 07:03 PM Post #8 |
|
The Great Wizzard
|
I imagine it would be more of a leisure thing than a travel thing. Like a sky cruise. But it will probably replace most oceanic shipping, as it is less risky than ocean travel (as you above the bad weather and don't have to deal with waves). And I imagine it will be cheaper as well, as airships are just balloons; gas filled bags. But can you imagine this; sky pirates. Fuck yea. |
|
|
|
| El Squibbonator | Aug 19 2009, 06:44 PM Post #9 |
|
Recovering EVAholic
|
I certainly think giant solar-powered super transporters are possible. The main barrier would be speed--as far as I know, it's just not possible to make a solar powered vehicle with the performance of an F-16 or even a Corncorde. |
|
|
|
| Iowanic | Oct 11 2009, 06:55 PM Post #10 |
|
Adult
|
This, of course, raises the question.... Why hasn't airships stepped up in use? My guess is it would have too specialized a role.... In terms of tonnage; ships would still beat airships on a cost-per-ton shipped....simply because they can't transport as much as the largest tankers. |
|
|
|
| colddigger | Oct 11 2009, 10:39 PM Post #11 |
Joke's over! Love, Parasky
|
psssssst http://www.airshipventures.com/ the problem is the same as is with many technologies, people are used to using one thing so they stay with that one thing, airships were replaced by planes and planes just stuck. Although either one is considered a luxury to me, driving is easier and you don't get F-ed over by any company -other than the car and gas companies heh- |
|
|
| Iowanic | Oct 12 2009, 03:44 AM Post #12 |
|
Adult
|
Pssssttt II; Did that link make any mention of amount of cargo hauled? Airships are too slow to compete against aircraft for feight haulage that needs to be moved quick.... It moves too little at too much cost to compete against shipping. Cruising-lining is it's one hope.....but only rich people will make a use of it. Note: I have read of ballons being used to haul lumber from forests: so roads and such won't have to be built. But, of course, that cost gets passed to those buying the lumber. thus; not many lumber companies are interested in utalizing the method. Again; too little hauled for too much cost ='s less profits. |
|
|
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
|
|
| « Previous Topic · Tech Discussion · Next Topic » |
4:37 PM Jun 18
