Harvest the Sun — From Space

[Omega]

I heard that solar panels wouldn't work on a tractor/trailer because it would require a massive collector area and wouldn't generate enough power for a high torque/high compression diesel engine...like a rooftop size. From outer space though....hmmmm.

[pvwowk]

Originally Posted by Omega

I heard that solar panels wouldn't work on a tractor/trailer because it would require a massive collector area and wouldn't generate enough power for a high torque/high compression diesel engine...like a rooftop size. From outer space though....hmmmm.

That is correct...

A Trailer that is 53'x8.5' will have a top area of about 41 m^2.

Average energy in the southwest on a clear day (panels flat on top of the trailer), ~ 1 kW/m^2.

Efficiency of panels, about 20%. This gives me the following amount of power...

1 kW/m^2 * 41 m^2 * 20% = 8.2kW or 10.9 hp continuous.

Considering a truck requires about 100hp ~ 200 hp continuous, it is way less than needed.

However, in a hybrid truck it might reduce the fuel costs, and it would generate electricity when the truck is sitting around (ex. getting lunch or sleeping). Could reduce fuel costs by 10% or 20%.

Also, those panels at current costs will be about $25,000.

[BobC]

I wait for the day when some industrious soul decides to install traction motors in his truck & uses the diesel engine for a power plant only.

I'd like to see if there's any savings in fuel to be had this way.
Trains do it so it can't be too hard to make a truck do it.

Wouldn't have as much transmission to deal with & might just be able to get away with a just splitter on the rears or just a two gear box.

If I only had some money to experiment with this stuff.

Where's a government research grant when I need it?

[Agent86]

Our heavy haul side dump trailers used in mining are powered in this way ( as an assist to the prime mover )...

works, but adds another layer of efficency erosion