The Smartflower in front of Founders Hall, with the Inman Admissions Welcome Center in the background, on the campus of Elon University, April 24, 2023. The SmartFlower will provide clean, renewable energy that will supplant a portion of the fossil fuel-generated electrical energy required to power lighting, equipment and building systems within Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. How will the energy harvested by the flower be used to assist facilities on campus? The hope is that its presence will inspire Elon’s students to go out to change the world with their ideas. What was the decision behind putting a SmartFlower on campus, specifically outside of Innovation Hall and Founders Hall?Īs a display of technology made possible by investment and advancement of STEM-related education, the SmartFlower is the perfect centerpiece to anchor the plaza outside of Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. It will generate 2.5 kilowatts hours of renewable energy annually and will help supply clean energy to Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. The SmartFlower is a visible demonstration of sustainability, creativity and engineering at work. The SmartFlower innovative design will allow it to produce 40% more energy than a similarly sized fixed solar panel.
The device uses its internal programming and location data to track the sun from east to west and north and south to maximize renewable energy production. The SmartFlower is designed to mimic how sunflowers naturally absorb solar energy by moving with the sun. What does the addition of the SmartFlower mean for campus?Īs a display that is part-art installation, part-solar energy technology and part-educational tool, the SmartFlower reduces Elon University’s carbon footprint by producing renewable energy for Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. The Smartflower solar device in front of Founders Hall, April 18, 2023. University Architect and Director of Planning, Design and Construction Management Brad Moore answered a few questions about the newly installed SmartFlower, its purpose and what it will add to the university. The fully-integrated system is inspired by nature and will provide clean energy to the two newest buildings in Elon’s Innovation Quad. The SmartFlower unfolds each morning, follows the sun’s light at the perfect angle and retracts once the sun sets. Installed this spring outside of the newly-dedicated Innovation Hall and Founders Hall, the new dynamic photovoltaic array SmartFlower serves as the “ showpiece” for the university.
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