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Solar Impulse II Makes California



 
 
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  #1  
Old April 26th 16, 05:39 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Larry Dighera
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,953
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California


http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.
  #2  
Old April 26th 16, 09:16 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
george152
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Posts: 158
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners
  #3  
Old April 27th 16, 02:25 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 62
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

On Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 4:16:28 PM UTC-4, george wrote:

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners


It's a trial experiment.

---

  #4  
Old April 28th 16, 10:16 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Larry Dighera
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,953
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners


Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...
  #5  
Old April 29th 16, 01:27 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,892
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners


Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...


What vested interests would that be?

Perhaps the Chineses panel makers dumping panels?

Maybe the tax subsidies that are required before anyone with any economic
sense gets involved with solar power?

Absent a fantasic improvement in solar cell efficiency, just around the
corner now for about a half century, solar power will remain a niche
technology.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2015: Enecsys, QBotix, Solar-Fabrik, Soitec,
TSMC Solar. On the brink of being bankrupt: Spire Corporation, Andalay Solar,
Abengoa.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2014: Areva's solar business, HelioVolt,
LDK, Masdar PV, SolarMax, Sopogy, TEL, Xunlight.



--
Jim Pennino
  #6  
Old April 29th 16, 02:17 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 62
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

On Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 8:31:04 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Larry Dighera wrote:
On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss..

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners


Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...


What vested interests would that be?

Perhaps the Chineses panel makers dumping panels?

Maybe the tax subsidies that are required before anyone with any economic
sense gets involved with solar power?

Absent a fantasic improvement in solar cell efficiency, just around the
corner now for about a half century, solar power will remain a niche
technology.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2015: Enecsys, QBotix, Solar-Fabrik, Soitec,
TSMC Solar. On the brink of being bankrupt: Spire Corporation, Andalay Solar,
Abengoa.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2014: Areva's solar business, HelioVolt,
LDK, Masdar PV, SolarMax, Sopogy, TEL, Xunlight.



--
Jim Pennino


At the start of June, Germany produced 50 percent of its electricity needs from solar power: a new world record. Tobias Rothacher, expert of renewable energies at Germany's Trade and Invest, stated that what his country has done with solar power is a testament to what the renewable resource can accomplish in modern societies.

Fraunhofer ISE research institute revealed that solar panels in the eastern European country generated a record breaking 23.1 GW of electricity in one hour on June 6th. On June 9th, a national holiday, solar energy production peaked at 24.24 GW, which equalled approximately 50.6 percent of the electricity demand.

http://guardianlv.com/2014/06/50-per...ar-new-record/

---
  #7  
Old April 29th 16, 03:23 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,892
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

wrote:
On Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 8:31:04 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Larry Dighera wrote:
On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners

Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...


What vested interests would that be?

Perhaps the Chineses panel makers dumping panels?

Maybe the tax subsidies that are required before anyone with any economic
sense gets involved with solar power?

Absent a fantasic improvement in solar cell efficiency, just around the
corner now for about a half century, solar power will remain a niche
technology.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2015: Enecsys, QBotix, Solar-Fabrik, Soitec,
TSMC Solar. On the brink of being bankrupt: Spire Corporation, Andalay Solar,
Abengoa.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2014: Areva's solar business, HelioVolt,
LDK, Masdar PV, SolarMax, Sopogy, TEL, Xunlight.



--
Jim Pennino


At the start of June, Germany produced 50 percent of its electricity
needs from solar power: a new world record. Tobias Rothacher, expert
of renewable energies at Germany's Trade and Invest, stated that what
his country has done with solar power is a testament to what the
renewable resource can accomplish in modern societies.

Fraunhofer ISE research institute revealed that solar panels in the
eastern European country generated a record breaking 23.1 GW of
electricity in one hour on June 6th. On June 9th, a national holiday,
solar energy production peaked at 24.24 GW, which equalled approximately
50.6 percent of the electricity demand.

http://guardianlv.com/2014/06/50-per...ar-new-record/

---


Wasn't it in Germany where one of the very heavily subsidized solar
producers was found to be delivering power at night via rented diesel
generators and if they had not been delivering at night no one would
have caught on to them?

Doesn't Germany have the highest electricity prices in Europe?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-920288.html

http://americanenergyalliance.org/20...nergy-failure/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclem.../#7301c40860e6

http://fuelpoverty.eu/2014/07/09/ene...inning-debate/




--
Jim Pennino
  #8  
Old April 30th 16, 06:49 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Larry Dighera
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,953
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

On Fri, 29 Apr 2016 00:27:16 -0000, wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners


Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...


What vested interests would that be?


I was referring to the petrochemical industry, that incidentally is currently
outrageously financially subsidized by our nation's government. [1]


Perhaps the Chineses panel makers dumping panels?


While that may be a factor in the bankruptcies you mention below, currently it
has resulted in reducing the cost of solar panels below $1.00 per watt:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/381173196624.


Maybe the tax subsidies that are required before anyone with any economic
sense gets involved with solar power?

Absent a fantasic improvement in solar cell efficiency, just around the
corner now for about a half century, solar power will remain a niche
technology.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2015: Enecsys, QBotix, Solar-Fabrik, Soitec,
TSMC Solar. On the brink of being bankrupt: Spire Corporation, Andalay Solar,
Abengoa.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2014: Areva's solar business, HelioVolt,
LDK, Masdar PV, SolarMax, Sopogy, TEL, Xunlight.



Hello Jim,

Your argument is pretty convincing from a narrow point of view. :-)

I know you to be a knowledgeable engineer who possesses a sound mind capable of
reasoned and insightful thoughts. But, your failure to acknowledge some of the
fundamental parameters of the issue of clean, sustainable power production is
disappointing. While cost is important in an immediate way, the fact that our
planet is a closed system with finite resources demands a longer view IMO.
There's a clue he https://youtu.be/0Z760XNy4VM.

So, while solar power production may cost more than other technologies, its
lack of negative ecological impact and sustainability clearly make it
preferable to befouling our fragile environment and critical dependence on a
dirty and finite petrochemical resource. I realize this "long view' is foreign
to casino capitalists, but thoughtful, responsible individuals have no choice
but to embrace it.

Photovoltaic systems provide a clean method of decentralizing the electrical
grid, and mitigating its vulnerability to single-point-of-failure interruptions
while providing shade in sunny environments to further reduce cooling loads.
Solar power production and electrical motive power are currently experiencing
rapid development, and as technical progress is achieved over the coming years,
it will become apparent to even the staunchest critic, that the efficiencies
achievable compared to petrochemicals and environmental compatibility make it
the clear choice for future generations.

There is more to life than money, you'll have to agree.

Best regards,
Larry


[1]
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/2-Mile-Long-Stretch-Of-Iraqi-Oil-Tankers-Bound-For-US-Shores.html
Related: 2-Mile Long Stretch Of Iraqi Oil Tankers Bound For U.S. Shores

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated earlier this year that global
fossil fuel subsidies had reached $US5.3 trillion, a figure highlighted at
$US10 million a minute to make the number more tangible. The driving force
behind this concept of subsidy is Nicholas Stern, a climate economist at the
London School of Economics. The IMF called the huge number ”extremely robust”
and the conclusion “shocking.” Stern said, “This very important analysis
shatters the myth that fossil fuels are cheap by showing just how huge their
real costs are. There is no justification for these enormous subsidies for
fossil fuels, which distorts markets and damages economies, particularly in
poorer countries.”

To illustrate exactly how egregious this problem is, the IMF said fossil fuel
subsidies are greater than the total spending on healthcare by all the world’s
governments. If fossil fuels were not so cheap then renewable energy
alternatives would no longer require government subsidies.
  #9  
Old April 30th 16, 09:21 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,892
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Fri, 29 Apr 2016 00:27:16 -0000, wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:16:24 +1200, george152 wrote:

On 4/27/2016 4:39 AM, Larry Dighera wrote:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Solar-Impulse-II-Makes-California-226128-1.html
Solar Impulse II Makes California

Solar Impulse II completed a 56-hour leg from Hawaii to Mountain View,
California just before midnight local time on Saturday. The aircraft, which had
to undergo a refit in Hawaii after the epic leg from Japan wrecked its
batteries, reportedly performed flawlessly on the trip, which ended with a
dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Mountain View just
south of San Francisco. "WOW. A normal day as an explorer," the organization
tweeted as it sent out an iconic photo of the aircraft over the bridge shot
from a chase aircraft with founder Bertrand Piccard at the controls.

"It's a new era. It's not science fiction. It's today," Piccard told CNN from
California after landing. "It exists and clean technologies can do the
impossible." A big window of benign weather, rare for the North Pacific, helped
the effort and the landing was under clear skies. The Mountain View landing was
a diversion from the scheduled U.S. arrival point of Phoenix and it's not clear
what route the aircraft will take as it crosses the U.S. It has a major
challenge ahead with a northern Atlantic crossing on its way to finishing the
circumnavigation in Abu Dhabi. Video: https://youtu.be/wQCOfuwG6ss.

It's a toy.
One seat
flies at 30 odd knots
and cooks batteries in a -c environment
And is accompanied by an inflatable hangar, ground crew in commercial
airliners

Personally, I wouldn't characterize it as a toy, but more like a proof of
concept vehicle, to demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting the sun's energy
to potentially provide clean, sustainable transportation.

At any rate, if Solar Impulse II successfully flies around the world solely
powered by energy from the sun, I'd equate that with Lindbergh's solo Atlantic
feat, at least.

At last, electric power appears to have planted its banner solidly in the
fertile soil of transportation. And, hydrogen fuel makes it a clean, feasible
alternative to gasoline, that can be generated by solar powered electrolysis of
water (on the ground) without the pollution of petrochemical extraction and
emissions. Current photovoltaic cell's limited efficiency preclude their use
to power heaver than air aircraft in a practical way, but for lighter than air
aircraft, they may be quiet well suited, as they won't have to provide the
power to support the weight of the aircraft, only propel it.

It's about time superior technology pushed aside the vested interests, and be
recognized for its true benefits. Perhaps there's hope the 21st century may
initiate an era that transcends politics, profiteers, and plutocrats,
recognizes the limitations of a closed system, and offers long term,
sustainable solutions. We can hope ...


What vested interests would that be?


I was referring to the petrochemical industry, that incidentally is currently
outrageously financially subsidized by our nation's government. [1]


The petrochemical industry makes things like plastic and fertilizer, not
electrical power.


Perhaps the Chineses panel makers dumping panels?


While that may be a factor in the bankruptcies you mention below, currently it
has resulted in reducing the cost of solar panels below $1.00 per watt:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/381173196624.


Panel cost is a small fraction of the total installed cost of a solar
power system and prices are down because of a glut of panels.

Maybe the tax subsidies that are required before anyone with any economic
sense gets involved with solar power?

Absent a fantasic improvement in solar cell efficiency, just around the
corner now for about a half century, solar power will remain a niche
technology.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2015: Enecsys, QBotix, Solar-Fabrik, Soitec,
TSMC Solar. On the brink of being bankrupt: Spire Corporation, Andalay Solar,
Abengoa.

Solar energy firms bankrupt in 2014: Areva's solar business, HelioVolt,
LDK, Masdar PV, SolarMax, Sopogy, TEL, Xunlight.



Hello Jim,

Your argument is pretty convincing from a narrow point of view. :-)


You mean like reality.


I know you to be a knowledgeable engineer who possesses a sound mind capable of
reasoned and insightful thoughts. But, your failure to acknowledge some of the
fundamental parameters of the issue of clean, sustainable power production is
disappointing. While cost is important in an immediate way, the fact that our
planet is a closed system with finite resources demands a longer view IMO.
There's a clue he https://youtu.be/0Z760XNy4VM.


The phrase "sustainable power" is meaningless hype.

If our planet were a closed system, solar energy wouldn't work at all.

You do know the modern view is that petroleum is not dinosaurs and is
constantly being created in the Earth?

Known oil reserves are estimated to be several hundred years worth, which
should be long enough to get fusion energy and good batteries working.

Not that petroleum has much of anything to do with electrical power, but
you would need LOTS of electrical power to systhesis the things currently
made from petroleum, plus giant leaps in several technologies before
something like an electric 747 becomes possible.

So, while solar power production may cost more than other technologies, its
lack of negative ecological impact and sustainability clearly make it
preferable to befouling our fragile environment and critical dependence on a
dirty and finite petrochemical resource. I realize this "long view' is foreign
to casino capitalists, but thoughtful, responsible individuals have no choice
but to embrace it.


If you think "sustainable power" has no environmetal impact, you are living
in a fantasy world.

Photovoltaic systems provide a clean method of decentralizing the electrical
grid, and mitigating its vulnerability to single-point-of-failure interruptions
while providing shade in sunny environments to further reduce cooling loads.
Solar power production and electrical motive power are currently experiencing
rapid development, and as technical progress is achieved over the coming years,
it will become apparent to even the staunchest critic, that the efficiencies
achievable compared to petrochemicals and environmental compatibility make it
the clear choice for future generations.


Not everyplace has abundent sunshine and the decentralized solar power in
Hawaii, one of the few places where it is really practical, is destabilizing
the grid. A stable grid REQUIRES central control, and again, petrochemicals
have little to nothing to do with electrical power.

There is more to life than money, you'll have to agree.


Sure, there is a roof over one's head that is heated in the winter, cooled
in the summer, clothes, food, etc.

Best regards,
Larry


[1]
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/2-Mile-Long-Stretch-Of-Iraqi-Oil-Tankers-Bound-For-US-Shores.html
Related: 2-Mile Long Stretch Of Iraqi Oil Tankers Bound For U.S. Shores


So what?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated earlier this year that global
fossil fuel subsidies had reached $US5.3 trillion, a figure highlighted at
$US10 million a minute to make the number more tangible. The driving force
behind this concept of subsidy is Nicholas Stern, a climate economist at the
London School of Economics. The IMF called the huge number ?extremely robust?
and the conclusion ?shocking.? Stern said, ?This very important analysis
shatters the myth that fossil fuels are cheap by showing just how huge their
real costs are. There is no justification for these enormous subsidies for
fossil fuels, which distorts markets and damages economies, particularly in
poorer countries.?

To illustrate exactly how egregious this problem is, the IMF said fossil fuel
subsidies are greater than the total spending on healthcare by all the world?s
governments. If fossil fuels were not so cheap then renewable energy
alternatives would no longer require government subsidies.


The US does not subsidize the petroleum industry, in fact it penalizes
the industry when the profits are deemed to be too high.

The petroleum industry has one of the lowest profit margins in industries
of all types; their total dollar profits are huge becausee the companies
are huge.


--
Jim Pennino
  #10  
Old May 3rd 16, 09:23 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Larry Dighera
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,953
Default Solar Impulse II Makes California


[Much snipped in the interest of brevity]


On Sat, 30 Apr 2016 20:21:48 -0000, wrote:

If our planet were a closed system, solar energy wouldn't work at all.


Ah Jim, there you go demonstrating that sound mind capable of reasoned and
insightful thoughts.

I guess I need to amend my statement to exclude the full spectrum of
electromagnetic radiation.

Thanks for the correction, but it doesn't materially affect my argument.

Reasonable people know we cannot continue to dump our trash and emissions into
our environment, and expect to continue to experience the same quality of life.

You do know the modern view is that petroleum is not dinosaurs and is
constantly being created in the Earth?


At what rate? Please don't attempt to pull a Ted Cruz obfuscation, and attempt
to imply, that petroleum is being created at a rate adequate to replenish the
volume that is currently being extracted. :-)


Known oil reserves are estimated to be several hundred years worth, which
should be long enough to get fusion energy and good batteries working.


So, you appear to agree that oil is a finite resource as compared to
insolation.

Fusion is the Holy Grail, but apparently nearly as elusive.


[...] giant leaps in several technologies before something like an
electric 747 becomes possible.


I would be skeptical of the useful production of such an aircraft too, but the
experts (NASA) appear to believe progress toward that end is possible:
https://www.rt.com/usa/328220-nasa-electric-plane-future/

"Electric skies: NASA claims progress on hybrid plane engine
Published time: 7 Jan, 2016 22:14

Project engineers and researchers at the Glenn Research Center in
Cleveland, Ohio are looking at electrical systems that could either replace
or complement the current turbine engines, turning electricity into thrust.

One of the agency’s goals is to help the aircraft industry shift away from
kerosene-guzzling gas turbines, in order to reduce emissions, noise and
fossil fuel consumption.


If you think "sustainable power" has no environmetal impact, you are living
in a fantasy world.


I hope you aren't attempting to imply inefficient petroleum power is anywhere
near as clean as a 98% efficient electric motor. The environmental impact from
some energy technologies is more damaging than others...


Not everyplace has abundent sunshine


But every place does have _some_ sunshine. Where there is sunshine, it is
possible to directly convert it to electricity without emissions. It's just a
matter of how much square area of photovoltaics need to be installed to meet
the particular demand.


and the decentralized solar power in Hawaii, one of the few places where it
is really practical, is destabilizing the grid.


If the solar installation is totally off-grid, that becomes a non-issue. The
way I see it, decentralizing electric distribution mitigates the issue of a
single point of failure (among other benefits).

It may also impact the utility companys' bottom line, but, given the fact that
So. Calif. Edison had the audacity to see that their former top executive at
Southern California Edison Co., Michael Peevey, as California Public Utilities
Commission President, that may be a good thing:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-puc-peevey-20141010-story.html

"I think Peevey started his collusion early, and he did it often," Lynch
said. "From the beginning he evidenced a complete disregard for the rules
of law and a complete interest in cozying up to utilities."

[...]

Undisclosed emails and other private conversations are representative of
the "endemic corruption" in state government created by "the imbalance" in
lobbying power between wealthy corporations and advocacy groups that speak
for consumers and utility ratepayers, said Robert Fellmeth, a regulatory
law expert and director of the Center for Public Interest Law at the
University of San Diego.

Regulators like Peevey should not hold "secret conversations" with only one
side in a pending case that they eventually will have to rule upon as both
judge and jury, Fellmeth said.


http://fueltracker.com/content/why-you-can-no-longer-trust-public-utilities-commission-look-out-your-best-interests

At issue is a vote that will take place at the California Public Utilities
Commission in San Francisco on Thursday, November 20. The vote will
determine if Southern California Edison will be unlawfully awarded more
than $4 billion in ratepayer dollars by the California Public Utilities
Commission. This vote is the result of secret back-room negotiations that
violate public utility law, due process, and the Fifth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States. It is important because the 5th
Amendment protects you from being forced to pay for something you never
receive. This legal concept is known as "Just Compensation."

VOTE IN SAN FRANCISCO, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

There will be a critical vote on Thursday by the two of the most powerful
appointed bureaucrats in California: Michael Peevey and Michel Florio of
the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The vote will decide if
the Commission should reward SCE with an unlawfully negotiated $4 billion
bailout of the failed nuclear reactors without a reasonableness hearing or
an investigation into why SCE executives intentionally installed nuclear
generators that they knew would fail.

This Federal Complaint shows how Southern California Edison and
Commissioners Florio and Peevey violated the constitutional rights of 17.4
million Californians by engaging in …

(1) Secret back-room negotiations,

(2) Judge shopping,

(3) Delaying investigations into what went wrong at San Onofre;

(4) thwarting civil investigations into the nuke failure;

(5) unlawfully seizing property (money) of California ratepayers by
allowing Southern California Edison to charge customers for electricity
that was never delivered.

(7) Permanently delaying public hearings by using procedural delays to
avoid public scrutiny, and …

(6) Forcing customers to pay extra by allowing SCE to charge for the cost
of replacement electricity -- a double-billing double whammy.



Thank you for taking the time to ponder these issues and offer your insight.
It's always a pleasure to read your views.


 




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