Is the invention of a solar powered train possible?
Image by Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon
Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) relaxes on a chair made of reclaimed wood from bourbon barrels with student, Mariko Fujo-White, also from Hawaii, inside Cornell University?s solar-powered home during the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009. (Photo by Stefano Paltera/US Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon)
Question by Tahj Wilson: Is the invention of a solar powered train possible?
Since the invention of solar power was created, we’ve invented about 2 to 3 ways to harness the power of the sun. One way is by attaching solar panels to the roofs of many our homes and by the diverting the extra power to the surrounding houses (optional). The second (but otherwise under construction) way to attach see through solar panels onto cars to limit the use of gas intake and help the environment. But what if trains–preferably above ground passenger trains–were given the ability to go solar, can it be possible in this day and time? Why or Why not? And if so, how will the train be outfitted for such a change?
Can you help? Leave your own answer in the comments!
6 Responses to Is the invention of a solar powered train possible?
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Any thing that has an electric motor requires a large amount of electricity to operate.The size of the panels required to create the amount of power necessary to propel the train ,would dwarf the train . The only solution ,at this time, is a conventional electric railway , with solar ,and wind turbines feeding the grid.. In the 50’s scientists were proposing a nuclear powered locomotive . Does that idea warrant a second look?
fishtrucker
February 16, 2013 at 1:50 am
I don’t think it’s possible on trains, but perhaps they can have solar installations in the depot, and recharge as-yet-to-be-invented next generation batteries.
Of course it could be with wind machines as well as with solar power.
CHRIS
February 16, 2013 at 2:47 am
Yes it’s possible, and it will probably be here soon.
thegreatone
February 16, 2013 at 3:36 am
It is definitely possible. If you hooked it up to an electric train it would work fine I suppose. Most locomotives are diesel electric today so the electricity powers the wheels. I wonder if people could come up with a way to turn that into electricity for the traction motors.
AJ Gonfiantini
February 16, 2013 at 3:54 am
How would they run at night?
Dances With Mops 2 - Mop Bucket Boogaloo
February 16, 2013 at 4:21 am
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/NYC_Coney_Island_Stillwell_2.jpg
this is a picture of Coney Island-Stillwell ave Terminal, the largest elevated terminal station in the world. the entire roof, covering the four platforms and 8 tracks that service the New York City Subway’s D,F,N and Q trains, is lined with Solar panels, 7,000 square meters of them. And they are incapable of powering the lights by themselves. pumping out only about 210 kilowatts per hour.
Solar collection is innefienct for high power applications, Solar cars are weak and slow, that’s why electric car manufacturing has moved in favor of hydrogen fuel cells or rechargable plug ins. You’d need a solar farm half the size of Brooklyn to get anywhere close to powering the trains.
James H
February 16, 2013 at 5:19 am