Lotus Mobile unfolds its solar-charging petals

Lotus Mobile unfolds its solar-charging petals

(Phys.org) —A Scottsdale, Arizona, company is making the news with its fold-able solar charging system of 18 panels that resemble a flower, and can sit atop a vehicle, which gives the device the appearance of a supersized canopy or floppy hat. At least that is the way in which the Lotus Mobile solar charger made its showcased appearance, perched on top of an orange Tesla car, no less, just in case all eyes were not totally riveted. The Lotus Mobile solar power system is the brainchild of the orange car's owner, Joseph Hui, CEO of the Scottsdale, Arizona, company Monarch Power, and also a professor at Arizona State University.

Hui, inventor and entrepreneur, took to his orange Tesla late last month in Phoenix to demonstrate the Lotus Mobile on top of the car, as a mobile light enough to transport by means of a small vehicle. Hui said he chose the lotus flower design because it inspired him to transform solar energy from heavy, strapped down panels to become light, personal and portable.

The Lotus Mobile is designed for any disaster that takes down power sources or for any power-less global village in need of power. The could also be used for camping.

This device can fold and unfold like a flower. Hui wanted to achieve a solar array specially built for portability as well as energy capture. The circular array design succeeds in capturing sunlight to recharge an EV, fridge, or other appliances.

Hui wanted to make the point that this was a lightweight solar power solution that can go where it is needed Hui has stated that he has three end uses in mind for the Lotus Mobile—for appliance and auto charging; for emergency response, and to provide power for those underserved areas around the globe.

This is a photovoltaic (PV) , according to SolarServer.

Hui kept the weight down, according to CleanTechnica, by using both plastic and aluminum.

Monarch's web site offered this comment: "Lotus Mobile follows the sun on two axes, giving 30 percent more power than rooftop solar panels. It's also less expensive because of significantly less structural support, since 70 percent of the traditional panel system cost is related to architectural placement."

More information: monarch-power.com/products/

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Citation: Lotus Mobile unfolds its solar-charging petals (2013, April 4) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2013-04-lotus-mobile-unfolds-solar-charging-petals.html
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