Tags: Monash University, Australia, Energy & Environment, Electronics & Robotics
Researchers at Monash University have developed a passive solar tracking system using a novel shape memory alloy and flexible support structures to enhance stability and energy efficiency. The system provides multiple stable spatial configurations, enabling solar tracking in multiple directions and withstanding environmental disturbances like wind and rain without expending energy. Applications include solar energy generation and robotics, offering a cost-effective, low-energy solution. The design incorporates parallel structures, ensuring independent movement and improved performance over traditional mechanisms. This innovation eliminates the need for active monitoring or complex locking systems, making it a sustainable and long-lasting option for solar tracking.
IP Type or Form Factor: Patent Pending; Design; Platform
TRL: 3 - proof of concept with needs validated
Industry or Tech Area: Solar Energy; Robotics