What is the upside of building panels into the rail instead of next to it?
Switzerland Unveils World’s First Operational Solar Railway Project
Submitted 2 months ago by Sunshine@lemmy.ca to energy@slrpnk.net
Comments
HK65@sopuli.xyz 2 months ago
ohulancutash@feddit.uk 2 months ago
So it can be installed by the train.
sonori@beehaw.org 2 months ago
This way an ‘innovative’ and ‘disruptive’ approach that can be the basis of a startup that can be sold to a bigger company or IPO for a bunch of money, and as a bonus draw clean energy funding away from tried and tested solutions into inefficient gimmicks that in turn keep the gas plants running that much longer.
Stache_@lemmy.ml 2 months ago
Maybe a bit more protection from the elements? And maybe they’ll design a system to push and clear debris as the train goes over
Willy@sh.itjust.works 2 months ago
yeah, the cleaning is one thing they mention they have. alone with others
Willy@sh.itjust.works 2 months ago
the article covers that.
reddig33@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I wonder if they could just add a caboose to every train that would clean off the panels as it travels over them.
Stache_@lemmy.ml 2 months ago
Yeah thats what I was thinking too
Stache_@lemmy.ml 2 months ago
Oh well here we go:
“The panels are equipped with anti-reflective coatings to prevent glare, and cleaning systems, such as cylindrical brushes mounted on trains, help maintain efficiency by removing dust and debris.”
Lovely
AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Especially since train toilets traditionally empty on the tracks… Although they probably no longer do these days.
Kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de 2 months ago
Can confirm they don’t do that any more in Switzerland. They separate solids and liquids and have integrated bioreactors to clear the fluids. Only the cleaned liquids get dumped these days, the solids are stored and emptied every few weeks.
The new-ish Bombardier Twindexx Express have an issue with their bioreactors so unfortunately whatever they dump still stinks. The main train company SBB claimed to fix it in Summer 2024, but it was still stinky in Autumn.
Kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de 2 months ago
We just recently discussed this project:
discuss.tchncs.de/post/23083174
discuss.tchncs.de/post/23833792
I don’t think anything substantial changed since then. The only real news are that it’s been inaugurated. If you want a new picture check here
crystalmerchant@lemmy.world 2 months ago
This is only slightly less stupid than “float-ovoltaics” or “solar freakin’ roadways!!!”
porous_grey_matter@lemmy.ml 2 months ago
It’s putting e not the best idea but it’s considerably less stupid than those, considering they managed to actually build one
Mihies@programming.dev 2 months ago
Yeah, we’ll see. There are so many possible issues with this, starting with why. We still have plenty of roofs to cover which are easy, predictable and yield better output for much lower price. Then there are issues with vibrations, efficiency and pollution at least.
Oneser@lemm.ee 2 months ago
Space is at a premium in many parts of Switzerland and a lot of the available land is privately owned. This MIGHT be the easiest way to deploy solar in the specific rail sections being considered and may only generate a small portion of the needed electricity.
So it might be the simplest effective idea for the region.
raltoid@lemmy.world 2 months ago
One of the big positives is that the “mounting hardware” is already there and pretty consistent, you don’t need to clear land and build things. So they just drive a custom train over that basically clip in removable panels.