Editing 1924: Solar Panels
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | {{incomplete|Created by a SOLAR POWERED DEER - Please make this the standard replacement for BOT. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
This handy decision tree aims to help in finding out whether a given object should have {{w|solar panel}}s installed on it. | This handy decision tree aims to help in finding out whether a given object should have {{w|solar panel}}s installed on it. | ||
− | The root question is whether the object of choice moves. If it doesn't and has no nearby empty space that would be more practical for the solar panel installation, then yes, the object should be equipped with the solar panels. If the object is static, but you could more easily install the panels somewhere else nearby, probably that's the best place. An example of this is a slanted rooftop of a house or a field on a hillside: it's certainly possible to put solar panels there, but | + | The root question is whether the object of choice moves. If it doesn't and has no nearby empty space that would be more practical for the solar panel installation, then yes, the object should be equipped with the solar panels. If the object is static, but you could more easily install the panels somewhere else nearby, probably that's the best place. An example of this is a slanted rooftop of a house or a field on a hillside: it's certainly possible to put solar panels there, but it would generally be easier to put them on a flat surface, like a flat-roofed house or a level field if such is available. This way, you are not restricted as to the direction (which might not be optimal on a given incline) and the panels can face the optimal direction or even [https://www.linak.com/business-areas/energy move to track the sun]. For another example of things where "putting next to it" instad of "on it" is generally the easier (and arguably) option, see the "highway surfaces" of the title text. |
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− | The | + | If the object moves, the next question is whether its batteries can be recharged or swapped with ease, in which case batteries may be a better option than solar panels. The idea is that solar panels on a vehicle sound like an interesting idea, but batteries can be much more easily (and economically) recharged from a fixed electrical station than using solar panels on the vehicle as a power source. |
− | + | Finally, if the object moves and batteries are not an option, the last question is whether the object heats up during operation. If so, solar panels may not work well. [[Randall]] doubts it mockingly. Solar panels do not work effectively when excessively hot [http://news.energysage.com/solar-panel-temperature-overheating/] (solar panels are typically designed to operate in temperature ranges of 15-25 celcius). Moreover, solar panels can only produce electrical power equal to about 20% of the solar radiation they receive. Thus, a device which heats up during use likely consumes much more power than the amount which could be produced by solar panels covering its surface - so "good luck." Obviously, many animals are also "moving objects" fitting this condition, and installing solar panel on them is bound to be a challenge{{Citation needed}}. | |
− | + | But if changing batteries is not an option and heat production and power requirements are low, then solar panels can be an excellent solution on a moving object. An excellent case for this is on [[:Category:Space probes|space probes]] and satellites, which are typically powered entirely by solar panels. Randall is well aware of this as shown with the comics [[695: Spirit]] and [[1504: Opportunity]], although he seems to have only been concerned with Earthbound objects in this comic. | |
− | + | The title text suggests that this flow chart is very broadly applicable to anything the Sun hits; however, the flow chart does not mention if the thing in question actually ''needs'' solar panels. | |
− | + | "Highway surfaces" is likely a reference to "{{w|photovoltaic pavement}}". Engineers commonly regard the idea as a nightmare to implement; it would be more practical to install the solar panels ''beside'' the road where damage by cars is less of an issue. | |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | :[A flow chart that features four questions in bubbles. Each question has yes/no options in bubbles overlain to the left and right on the question bubble. Curved arrows points from the yes and no bubbles to either | + | :[A flow chart that features four questions in bubbles. Each question has yes/no options in bubbles overlain to the left and right on the question bubble. Curved arrows points from the yes and no bubbles to either next question or the result. The result written at the bottom is not inside bubbles. The chart has two main branches, that ends up in five places using only four different results, as the middle result is shared by both branches. Above the chart there is a caption:] |
:'''Should I put solar panels on it?''' | :'''Should I put solar panels on it?''' | ||
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[[Category:Flowcharts]] | [[Category:Flowcharts]] | ||
[[Category:Animals]] | [[Category:Animals]] | ||
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