Post Cure: CFRP photovoltaic trees harness sustainable living in challenging desert environments

 

Source (All Images) | Premier Composite Technologies, Dubai 

Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion from Expo 2020 Dubai, illuminates the intelligent strategies available to society and its steps toward climate action. Now a permanent fixture in the UAE, the Pavilion’s landscape is complemented by an installation of 19 Energy Trees — photovoltaic (PV) structures inspired by the waxy-leaved Blood Dragon trees — designed by Grimshaw (Dubai) and engineered and manufactured by Premier Composite Technologies, Dubai (PCT).

Each structure, spanning 17.5 and 16.3 meters in diameter with 15-18-meter canopies, is made of steel and advanced composites. The use of CFRP for the production of the “tree crowns” enabled the required slender and organic design while providing a high level of stiffness to avoid any unwanted deflections. The lightweight construction keeps the load manageable for the mechanical rotation system that allows the E-trees to track the sun as the days progress to ensure that the PV panels are always ideally positioned to maximize their efficiency.

The Energy Trees generate 28% of the pavilion’s energy, work as a way to direct cool air down to the courtyard below and even serve as a large collection area for stormwater and dew that replenishes the building’s water system.

Learn more about the project here.