Sanyo's "Solar Ark"

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.tfot.info/pod/1090/solar-ark.html

Solar Ark

Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Noa Rotkop

Sanyo's Solar Ark, located in Gifu Prefecture at the center of Japan, is a 315m-wide (1033 feet), 37m (121 feet) tall solar photovoltaic power generation facility. Its design was inspired "by the vision of an ark embarking on a journey toward the 21st Century", a symbol of Sanyo's goal of achieving a "clean energy society." At the center of the Solar Ark is an unusual museum of solar energy called Solar Lab, which helps to raise children's awareness about global environmental issues and make science more interesting and appealing to them.

The Solar Ark is supported by four pillars weighing a total of approximately 5,000 tons and is constructed of strong Structural steel. 12 Single-crystal silicon solar cell modules per unit were assembled on the ground, and 470 units were lifted up and attached to the main body of the Solar Ark. The annual electrical output of the Solar Ark is Approx. 530,000 kWh and its maximum system power is 630 kW. The amount of Petroleum Saved is the equivalent to 7,145 kerosene cans (128,610 liters) per year. An analysis of data regarding the power-generating performance of the photovoltaic system, gathered since the Solar Ark was created, was presented at the photovoltaic conference in Europe a few years back.

Completing the design of the ark are its surroundings – fountains up to 5m high and two ponds, each with a cascade. At the entrance to the Solar Ark are solar wings, consisting of HIT solar cells which generate electricity while also functioning as awnings that allow sunlight to filter through.

Exhibitions, workshops, and science classes are held at the Solar Lab in order to provide information and raise the profile of photovoltaic science among the younger generation. "A place where we all pause for reflection and make discoveries about the various interconnections between the sun, global environmental issues, photovoltaic science, and humankind" states Sanyo.

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[Kittycat]

1. When beauty meets science. It's incredible & gorgeous.