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Smartflower Solar Panel Unfolds In Video
Watch the Smartflower solar panel unfold in this very short, but very sweet, video:
(Smartflower unfolds and seeks the sun video)
Based off the concept of how a sunflower follows the sun, the Smartflower is a portable, adjustable petal system that tracks the sun’s path throughout the day. When the sun rises in the morning, the Smartflower automatically unfolds and begins producing energy by setting its petals at a ninety-degree angle. The flower goes “back to sleep” into a folding position at night or whenever high winds make it unsafe to operate.It does all of this autonomously through GPS-based dual axis tracking. It also boasts a cooling and cleaning system that brushes the back of each panel every time the unit folds and unfolds. Because the Smartflower is always at an optimal angle to the sun, it can generate 40 percent more energy production than traditional solar.
Science fiction fans no doubt recall the sunshade-photocell collector from David Brin's 1990 novel Earth:
Then he saw the geek - a codger this time - leaning against one of the slender stalks of a sunshade-photocell collector, looking directly at the three of them.
Via Smartflowersolar and Curbed
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