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The Knowledge Village solar tracker is an advanced photovoltaic (PV) power system that utilizes sensors to follow the sun during the day. The mechanism ensures that irradiation levels are optimized on the tracker system's module surface, maximizing output by more than 40 per cent, compared to conventional systems.
Ali bin Towaih, Director of ENPARK said:
"Green energy is central to sustainable development, especially in a fast-growing economy such as the UAE. Solar power provides significant environmental benefits when compared to more conventional energy sources. As a practical and cost effective option to save energy, this initiative will be linked to other facilities at TECOM Investments."
"The energy and environment industry chain is huge and the solar photovoltaic power system is one of its components that we are proud of demonstrating today. This initiative offers an opportunity for the academia to test and experiment the technology when it's operational."
ENPARK aims to offer environment friendly solutions through cutting edge technologies. The solar tracker project at the Dubai Knowledge Village underscores its commitment to develop, implement and promote renewable energy solutions.
"We are keen to attract and promote companies such as Switchpower that bring in unique technologies to Dubai to drive the region's sustainable development goals," added bin Towaih.
Andrew Machirant, Business Development and Communications, Switchpower, said: "We consider the introduction of the solar power tracking system to the region as a milestone, demonstrating the viability of sophisticated green technology in the UAE. It also makes sound economic sense for the region to adopt solar power on a wider scale in the future."
The Knowledge Village solar tracker has a 3.3m high pole, construction elements of galvanized steel, aluminium profiles for the mounting of solar modules, two electric motors, a sun-tracking control unit consisting of two tetraeder-irradiation sensors and a wind guard sensor. At its current location, the Knowledge Village solar tracker will produce approximately 10 MWh/year.
According to industry estimates, a solar tracker can prevent over 125 tonnes of CO2 pollution during its life term, while providing green and high quality electricity.
Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director for Dubai Knowledge Village (KV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) said: "The solar tracking device installed within our premises will help raise awareness in the community about the benefits of green energy and the dangers of global warming and fossil fuel depletion. More importantly, it will educate young people on the need to preserve the environment and contribute to sustainable development efforts."
A pioneer in the region, TECOM Investments has implemented a Sustainable Development Policy since August 2006, creating the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) as one of its key initiatives. The entity has since then put into place sustainable development measures across all brands of TECOM Investments, and assisted in developing ENPARK.
In its drive to promote environment-friendly practices within its free zone clusters, TECOM Investments has implemented several energy management and water conservation initiatives that have generated tangible results.
TECOM Investments recently announced its position as the region's foremost green building developer with the largest number of projects undergoing Leadership in Energy and Energy Design (LEED) certification. The cluster currently hosts 12 buildings that are registered as green building projects under the LEED standards with a silver certification. A total of almost 70 buildings in Dubai are designed in accordance with the LEED rating system.
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
