BigMax t1_j8l0dhl wrote on February 15, 2023 at 2:01 AM

Is it weird that this is a pilot program? Seems so logical that it should just be done, not necessarily “piloted.”

I know they will learn and improve, but it’s not like this is some outlandish new idea. It’s solar, just over water instead of land.

jppianoguy t1_j8l30pu wrote on February 15, 2023 at 2:22 AM

What if the structure holding them rusts and falls into the canal? What if the iron batteries overheat?

These real world conditions are why we do pilots

crazyrich t1_j8lrkgd wrote on February 15, 2023 at 6:08 AM

Regardless of MOST context, new tech solutions should be piloted. This allows development teams to see where weaknesses are to allow for better implementation when fully launched. Think of what a difference 10% energy gain or recognition of structural weaknesses might have, or even impacts on wildlife.

That said, im not commenting on why it is being piloted now instead of earlier.

ShotgunStyles t1_j8l6t90 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 2:51 AM

Outside of the whole process involving proof of concepts, this idea is less logical than it seems.

Evaporation does not take that much water away from California's water system, especially when it's put into context with how much water is being used.

Solar panels are also not highly desirable in California at the moment. Right now, the state is investing heavily into energy storage options, such as these batteries. The reason being is because the state suffers an energy crunch in the evening hours when solar panels aren't generating any power.

So the dilemma becomes a question of alternatives. Why spend money on solar panels when there are cheaper methods to counter evaporation? Why not instead invest into storage options which can be charged by the surplus of energy that the state gets during the noon hours?

BigMax t1_j8l77c3 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 2:55 AM

Thanks! Makes sense, appreciate the answer

elehman839 t1_j8nlzms wrote on February 15, 2023 at 5:10 PM

Just for interest, the power storage systems they are planning to use are described here. The copyright on the datasheet is 2023, so I gather this is pretty new.

Each system comes in a semi-truck trailer-- pretty big. The rated capacity is 400 kWh. To put that in perspective, the capacity of a Tesla Model Y is 75 kWh. So a semi-trailer sized battery can charge only 5-6 electric cars from 0 to full.

This makes sense, I suppose. The battery must make up a large part of an electric car, and such batteries probably have higher energy density than these storage systems. Still, I guess it is good to know that a semi-sized battery is not going to power a small city or something, but rather maybe charge all the electric cars on one block.

Weak_Personality_570 t1_j8nz9ny wrote on February 15, 2023 at 6:35 PM

So those panels may get damaged and leak into our water supply. Why not just cover it and build the panels on the side of it. Why take a chance when it's not necessary?