This Invention Will Change The World, Just Watch

[yortbogey]

http://trendinghot.net/invention-will-change-world-just-watch/

 

[stoned-trout]

very cool ... but the cost would be huge.....and roadkill feeds folks

 

[GSPfan]

Cool idea but the initial cost would be ridiculous. A tunnel would have to be made under every road. Every ten feet would cost them about $2000 - $3000 just for the concrete and labor to install. And thats the cheap part.

 

[michaelswines]

Truly amazing!

 

[Cannavore]

Its not practical in its current state.

Asphalt roads expand and contract. Not to mention the cleanup required to get rid of waste and salt buildup would be problematic. As well as price and effectiveness.

We're a long way off before something like this happens.

 

[Wiggs Dannyboy]

And what about all the moths? It would mean mass moth extinction...they'd all be landing on the lighted roadways just waiting to get squished.

J/K....that's an incredible idea. There is probably some problems in making it happen (the video was a sales tool, of course THEY wouldn't play up the difficulties), but all in all, it makes a ton of sense. The video didn't even mention how well the solar (and electrified) roads would work in tandem with cars of the future. Cars that steer themselves? No more DWI, could have more than 2 pints without worrying...

 

[Cannavore]

This response about sums it up:

Here are a few reason why this won't work: Roads experience thermal expansion and contraction, and movements from ground subsidence, frost heave, etc. asphalt can flex, and when it cracks is still safe, and can be fairly easily repaired. The same isn't true for glass panels with electrical connections. You could build these on a strong concrete bed, but that first layer will already cost more than an asphalt road.

Solar arrays are getting much cheaper, but they're plenty expensive as is, and these features add significant cost. Features like thick thick textured glass, lights, microprocessors, etc. and don't forget all the high tech connections it will need to be able to handle being water logged with grimy dirty salt water with no hope of a good cleaning for decades. That's hard enough to do in a traditional array that's high and dry.

Yield is problematic also. Most roads are near buildings, light poles, trees, bridges and countless other obstructions that will block the sun. That not only directly cuts output, it also reduces service life and can cause other problems. Making the panels "smart" can cut down on some of this, but at great expense (and it's an unproven technology).
How will all these get connected to the grid? They'll require a fleet of new transformers to connect them to power lines, or they'll get connected to existing ones. The problem with existing ones is that many are at capacity, and they're typically located on private property. That's a permitting and legal nightmare.

There are much easier, safer, better proven and cheaper ways to get solar power at a lower cost. Theoretically, these will all get exhausted some day, and solar roadways will be the sunniest option, but that's a long way off, and still might never be effective.

 

[yortbogey]

gr8t discussion guys.... keep it coming