The climate change consensus extends beyond climate scientists

[NeilBlanchard]

I learned several things listening to this:


Anthropocene - Some scientists say we're in a new geological age where humans are having an unprecedented impact on Earth. This hour, TED speakers ask what this means for the future of our planet, and our species.


One of the most surprising things I learned is that during the Permian extinction, there was so much volcanic activity - the lava burned coal seams.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

Change is imminent.

Yes. Things will be much smaller and simpler in the future as energy and resources slip away from us.

[freebeard]

sendler — I laid awake last night [coincidently] worried that you've been trolling for a death-rate solution. I'm relieved because I can now believe we'd agree that the hippys were right.

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

One of the most surprising things I learned is that during the Permian extinction, there was so much volcanic activity - the lava burned coal seams.

The expulsions of basalt were mind-boggling.

Deccan Traps

Deccan Traps are a large igneous province located on the Deccan Plateau of west-central India (17°–24°N, 73°–74°E) and are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth. They consist of multiple layers of solidified flood basalt that together are more than 2,000 m (6,600 ft) thick, cover an area of c. 500,000 km2 (200,000 sq mi),[1] and have a volume of c. 1,000,000 km3 (200,000 cu mi).[2]

The original ground level of Eastern Washington state is now 2000ft underground.

So what's new under the sun?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdbHP2DogYQ

It looks to be oriented N-S with the ability to rotate during the day. They claim 55% cheaper than existing and then talk about economies of scale.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by sendler

Yes. Things will be much smaller and simpler in the future as energy and resources slip away from us.

Never mind.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by freebeard

So what's new under the sun?

It looks to be oriented N-S with the ability to rotate during the day. They claim 55% cheaper than existing and then talk about economies of scale.

We already have solar in a straw CSP. This looks more complex and expensive..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabolic_trough
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaso..._Power_Station
.

[freebeard]

The parabolic trough doesn't require reorientation. This reminded me of Zomeworks solar-powered tracker.

Solar Module Trackers by Zomeworks

The “Track Rack” solar tracker which Baer and Zomeworks staff developed is a metal-framed passive-solar dynamic mounting for photovoltaic (PV) modules. With an arrangement of cylinders, pistons, and tubing, the device uses the differential pressure and movement of entrapped liquid to enable gravity to turn the rack and follow the sun. Depending on heat and hydraulics, and without motors, gears, or computerized controls, the rack enables the PV module to face the sun ("sunflower-wise") for maximum efficiency. To fit into the developing solar energy industry, Zomeworks has designed and builds several Track Racks to fit all common photovoltaic modules.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Baer#Inventions

A balanced cylinder would be easier to manage that a flat plate in turbulent air flow.

[oil pan 4]

I'm probably going to try out putting some of my panels on trackers.
Since everything that makes up a solar build is sized for peak output. But peak output rapidly peaks then falls off over the course of about 2 hours or less.
I just have to figure out how much it's going to cost.
I can only install 9.6kw with out a major up grade costing as much as a small solar system install, because everything is based on peak expected output.
A normal 9.6kw system would be expected to make around 45 to 50kwh per day around here, a 9.6kw on trackers could make 60kwh, maybe even 70.

I will have to cut down some trees. Okay maybe a lot of trees.
I love how green solar power is.

[sendler]

Crumbling infrastructure. Just what I saw on my way to work this morning without even hunting around.
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We would be very smart to get as many infrastructure decisions made and get them built out and repaired as much as possible in the next 30 years before liquid fuel gets prohibitively expensive

[oil pan 4]

Our government operates on the premise of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and if it is broke they form a committee to prolong the problem for as long as possible.

[redpoint5]

Infrastructure seems to be fine everywhere I go. Oregon bridges are inspected every 1-2 years. The road in front of my parents house gets repaved every 4 years it seems, which is overkill.

I imagine other states have regular bridge inspections, among all of the other infrastructure that is vital to safety.