Why don't we have electric planes yet?
12-31-2019, 05:08 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by badflaps
The difference being connections being made several times a day as opposed to twice, three times a week. Not insurmountable, but difficult. I can think of only a few operations that would work with,say, Kenmore.
12-31-2019, 07:23 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes
Not sure if you know how these airplanes are operated. They are docked only at improved and dedicated facilities. Many are kept kept in the water at all times (on inspection programs that account for the marine environment). Sure there will be controls, but I see little difference between this and hooking up a large boat to shore power. Controls and technology will be needed of course, but this isn’t insurmountable.
01-01-2020, 03:56 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes
Not sure if you know how these airplanes are operated. They are docked only at improved and dedicated facilities. Many are kept kept in the water at all times (on inspection programs that account for the marine environment). Sure there will be controls, but I see little difference between this and hooking up a large boat to shore power. Controls and technology will be needed of course, but this isn’t insurmountable.
01-01-2020, 05:58 AM
#25
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Originally Posted by sailingfun
The amount of Amps needed to be pushed to the aircraft for a quick charge is nothing like shore power for a boat. A valid comparison is not even possible. Next time you get a chance take a look at the power cords for the new quick charge auto facilities. Cord length is also critical. To push those kinds of AMPS cords must be kept short or have massive diameters.
01-01-2020, 10:26 AM
#26
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Originally Posted by sailingfun
The amount of Amps needed to be pushed to the aircraft for a quick charge is nothing like shore power for a boat. A valid comparison is not even possible. Next time you get a chance take a look at the power cords for the new quick charge auto facilities. Cord length is also critical. To push those kinds of AMPS cords must be kept short or have massive diameters.
That's off-the-shelf technology, heavy industry does it all the time.
The connector might have to be special. Large ships don't "plug in" to shore power, they actually hard-wire the shore power wires to the ship's electrical bus. It only takes a few minutes, but it's probably a little too technical for line use. And you need to be absolutely certain the breakers are off before you bolt a wire to a high-voltage bus
Probably just need a connector with a mechanical latch-in feature and good seals. As opposed to the current 115VAC 400Hz aircraft push-in plugs, which has the same arcing potential as residential house current.
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