SopoLite: New Version of Google Maps to Maximize Sun's Energy
Sopogy has developed a new 90-pound portable power unit called SopoLite. This invention is a pint-sized version of the parabolic trough reflectors that Sopogy uses to collect solar thermal energy.
The unit's most interesting facet is its original purpose - collecting data on the solar power potential of wherever its located. Kimura, CEO of Sopogy, plans to park these units all over the country and build out a map of the potential availability of thermal solar energy, or the energy derived from the sun's heat. Such a map will make it much easier to determine the true thermal solar power potential of any given location without having to deploy sensors and testing gear. This could prove to be a boon to the still nascent rooftop and commercial solar thermal power segment.
Figuring out how well solar thermal power works in any given location, however, is somewhat tricky. Micro-weather patterns are very important for solar thermal as clouds can really put a drag on thermal heat collection. Winds and thermal patterns can also reduce solar collection possibilities. That's where Kimura hopes to insert SopoLite, and in the process turn the unit (which can be towed behind a trailer) into a data-collection initiative similar in nature to those funny Google cars you see driving around with spinning cameras mounted on their roofs.
It's way too early to see whether this will take off, but it's a fascinating idea in a small package.
See more
The unit's most interesting facet is its original purpose - collecting data on the solar power potential of wherever its located. Kimura, CEO of Sopogy, plans to park these units all over the country and build out a map of the potential availability of thermal solar energy, or the energy derived from the sun's heat. Such a map will make it much easier to determine the true thermal solar power potential of any given location without having to deploy sensors and testing gear. This could prove to be a boon to the still nascent rooftop and commercial solar thermal power segment.
Figuring out how well solar thermal power works in any given location, however, is somewhat tricky. Micro-weather patterns are very important for solar thermal as clouds can really put a drag on thermal heat collection. Winds and thermal patterns can also reduce solar collection possibilities. That's where Kimura hopes to insert SopoLite, and in the process turn the unit (which can be towed behind a trailer) into a data-collection initiative similar in nature to those funny Google cars you see driving around with spinning cameras mounted on their roofs.
It's way too early to see whether this will take off, but it's a fascinating idea in a small package.
See more
Labels: energy, inventions, solar
PermaLink - SopoLite: New Version of Google Maps to Maximize Sun's Energy
