The four-meter-wide Lotus not only looks like nature’s symbol of renewal but folds up the same as nature’s version. In his research, Dr. Hui employs biomimicry, a design discipline that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. The new Lotus is capable of generating enough power (2 KW) and hot water for the average family.
Inspired by the lotus flower which is known to maintain a constant temperature of 30 degrees Celsius despite cold weather. The Lotus opens by pushing out the center 6 petals. You can see literally two strings each connecting three petals. A simple Arithmetic shown that the petals numbered (clockwise) 1 to 18 can be grouped into 6 strings of three consecutive petals for each string (e.g. 1,2,3 forms a string, 3,4,5 forms another, and 16,17,18 forms the last of the 6 strings). Each string can pulls in or release the three petals, making a simple and stunning opening and closing of the Lotus.
The reason for opening and closing of the Monarch Lotus is similar to that for the lotus flower: to handle windy and rainy weather. Furthermore, the closed Monarch Lotus can come down by itself on the center aluminum pole for transportation. Literally like a rising lotus flower out of the water. Since it is not a roof-mounted contraption, it also makes it easy to deploy in various locations, making it suitable for use in emergencies as well.
Categories: Alternative energy, Educational Resources, Research, Science, Science and Technology, Technology
Interesting design. The pricing point is really the key in making this a commercially viable product to compete with Chinese made alternatives.