Since the smart folks over at MIT and Aachen University get to do all the cool research no one else has the time for these days, new findings have revealed that sunflowers could make a huge difference in the nascent solar power business. It’s fundamentally about design, especially how sunflowers are themselves patterned by mother nature to optimally absorb sunlight. For proof, just mesmerize yourself with the pic below. It’s entrancing, to say the least.
The Science Behind Sunflower Patterns
According to MIT, the Fermat spiral found among certain types of flowers is an ideal pattern that can be applied to any large-scale solar-capturing equipment. This spiral pattern, also known as the golden angle, is approximately 137.5 degrees. It is a naturally occurring design that allows for the most efficient packing of seeds in the sunflower head, ensuring that each seed gets the maximum amount of sunlight and nutrients. This same principle can be applied to solar panels to maximize their efficiency.
A heliostat in particular, examples of which are found in Spain where they generate up to 11-megawatts of power, could borrow from the sunflower’s aesthetic superiority. Heliostats are devices that include a mirror, usually a flat or slightly curved one, which turns to keep reflecting sunlight toward a predetermined target, typically a solar power tower. By arranging these mirrors in a pattern similar to the sunflower’s Fermat spiral, researchers believe they can significantly increase the efficiency of solar power plants.
Practical Applications and Future Potential
The geniuses over at MIT and their partners in Aachen have calculated that an array of panels arranged 137 degrees ‘relative to its neighbor [solar panel]’ is not only space effective but does its job more efficiently. This arrangement minimizes the shadowing effect that panels can have on each other, which is a common issue in traditional grid layouts. By reducing shadowing, each panel can capture more sunlight throughout the day, leading to higher overall energy production.
This discovery has far-reaching implications for the future of solar energy. For instance, solar farms could be designed to take up less space while generating the same or even more power. This is particularly important in areas where land is scarce or expensive. Additionally, the increased efficiency could make solar power a more viable option in regions with less consistent sunlight, broadening the potential for solar energy adoption worldwide.
Moreover, this research opens the door to further biomimicry in renewable energy technologies. By studying and mimicking natural patterns and processes, scientists can develop more efficient and sustainable solutions to our energy needs. The sunflower pattern is just one example of how nature’s designs can inspire technological innovation.
Ah, mother nature. What other lessons are you hiding from us?
Source Gizmag
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