Carnivals of your youth may have been a good time, but they're still showy electricity exploiters. The GE SXSW Merry-Go-Round, however, introduces a new way for a carousel to operate without guzzling valuable resources.
General Electric's pavilion at the South by Southwest Conference introduced this refurbished 1926 children's ride and replaced its internal engine with an electric motor, fed by cutting-edge, thin-film solar panels. Incorporating ecomagination technology, the company's demonstrated how simply such machines can be controlled using renewable resources. The solar cells that run the carousel could be found lining the adjacent lounge, equipped with enough extra juice left over to charge visitors' cellphones.
The GE SXSW Merry-Go-Round is a flashy exhibit of a technology that yields the lowest carbon footprint of any existing solar panel system, topped with GE Tetra Contour LED lights.
Solar-Powered Carousels
The GE SXSW Merry-Go-Round is a Sun-Soaking Attraction
Trend Themes
1. Renewable Energy-powered Attractions - Implementing renewable energy sources in traditional attractions like carousels creates environmentally friendly and sustainable entertainment experiences.
2. Eco-friendly Technology Integration - Incorporating cutting-edge technology, such as thin-film solar panels and LED lights, into existing infrastructure reduces energy consumption and promotes sustainable practices.
3. Energy-efficient Resource Utilization - Optimizing the use of renewable resources like solar power in everyday activities, such as charging cellphones, demonstrates the potential for widespread energy efficiency.
Industry Implications
1. Amusement Parks - Amusement parks can adopt solar-powered attractions to reduce their environmental impact and attract eco-conscious visitors.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can explore opportunities to integrate solar panels and other renewable technologies into various recreational and entertainment applications.
3. Smart Lighting Solutions - Companies specializing in LED lights and smart lighting solutions can collaborate with retrofitting projects to enhance energy efficiency in existing amusement park infrastructures.