The solar flower

Haim Dotan, a pioneering Israeli architect who was recently selected to design (with designer Prosper Amir) and construct the Israeli Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, is the designer behind AORA’s iconic solar energy tower, set to launch on Wednesday, June 24, in Southern Israel.

“The AORA solar tower was conceptualized as a flower in the desert, symbolizing harmony and balance with nature. It incorporates elements of art, sculpture, architecture and soul,” said Haim Dotan, designer and architect of the AORA solar energy tower. “The purpose of the flower is to attract attention, increase awareness, and to create emotion and excitement among adults and children about the importance of clean energy.”

Unlike other solar towers around the world, which are primarily utilitarian, functional towers made of grey galvanized steel; Dotan’s new and innovative solar tower design is shaped like a colorful flower and complements the natural topography of the surrounding landscape.

AORA’s power station, located in Kibbutz Samar, is the world’s first commercial hybrid solarized gas-turbine power station capable of producing uninterrupted, green power during the day. 30 tracking mirrors (heliostats) situated on half an acre of desert land track the sun and reflect its rays towards the top of the 30-meter high solar tower, which consists of a 24-meter structural column and a 6-meter, two level mechanical space containing a special solar receiver, a 100kw gas turbine and related electrical and mechanical equipment.

The patented receiver uses the sun’s energy to heat air to a temperature of 1,000 degrees Celsius and directs this energy into the turbine. The turbine in turn converts the thermal energy into electric power that is fed directly into the national power grid.

“AORA is honored to collaborate with the very talented Mr. Dotan on this project,” said Haim Fried, CEO of AORA. “Mr. Dotan translated AORA’s vision into a stunning, environment-friendly landmark. Moreover, he was able to deliver quality design, production and construction of the tower at a low cost, which is a key component to our solar energy solution.”

The low cost solar tower is made of recyclable materials, mainly pre-fabricated curved steel sheets, which can be easily assembled and erected in just two days. AORA’s modular solar energy system may be scaled and customized according to customer demand. As more energy is needed and as the station expands, additional towers may be erected in a variety of colors, creating a harmonious colorful garden of solar power flower towers.

“I hope to see more beautiful solar flowers throughout deserts and around the world in the coming years,” said Dotan.

Tags: aora, climate, Energy, flower, solar, solar flower, tower

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