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Old 05-27-2014, 09:06 AM   #7 (permalink)
Burton
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Concept looks interesting but I can already see some problems.

The number one being the coefficient of friction. How does it compare to asphalt and concrete?

Second are single tracked vehicles. For those that don't ride motorcycles it might be hard to understand but a surface like that could create harmonics and be a hazard for the rider. Everything from tank slappers (technical term here), parts more likely to vibrate off, reduced stopping performance etc.

Another less obvious one is wear. Even electric vehicles get covered in a dirty mess under the car. This comes from brake dust, oil and other spilled fluids which could have potential to short out the panels, tire dust and skid marks etc. How do these things stay clean and safe?

I would also be interest to know how the panels would hold up under a fully loaded trailer braking at full force. Would they lift out, damage the frame, shatter, etc?

And I wonder what the real energy cost is of these panels over their life time and if they can 'repay' for their cost and hidden costs outside the panel itself like installation and infrastructure costs. Solar panels are not pollution free in production and I would venture to say their "glass" panels are not either.

Lots of research would need to be done for this to go through and I hope they figure out. Any other engineer minded people see issues with this or am I just making everyone upset with me?
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