In Tel Aviv, in the Atidim city park, a new ecological system is being tested, a sort of “solar-powered fabric” that will provide shade during the day and serve as a lighting installation after sunset.
The system, called Lumiweave, was created by Anai Green, an Israeli industrial designer who has obtained international recognition for having conceived one interesting technology friend of the environment. The challenge was organized by Women4Climate, an organization that brings together mayors, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, scientists and activists to strengthen women's participation and leadership in building a sustainable future.
A solar fabric
During the next few months, Green and the municipality of Tel Aviv they will monitor performance of the system in anticipation of doing more installations throughout the city. This is a unique project that addresses the issue of shading in urban areas with a technology that also adds the intelligent use of renewable energy.
Lumiweave's soft fabric incorporates organic photovoltaic (PV) solar cells to shade (and especially light) off-grid. It could have a thousand applications, from autonomous umbrellas to private canopies and roofs.
As you might imagine, the system does not requires infrastructure electric: even without sun it can provide three days of night lighting. It won't be a problem for Tel Aviv (or for Israel in general): the city enjoys a lot of sun, 300 days a year.
This solar fabric would make the fortune of Southern Italy.
Tel Aviv, not just technology
The adoption of this solar fabric is not the only one, either the latest initiative of Israeli city. Tel Aviv is rapidly positioning itself as a world leader in climate protection: among its commitments there is also an ambitious plan for planting 450.000 trees in urban areas: they will provide shade for cool temperatures. Over 700 million euros for a goal to be achieved by 2040.
In such an interesting context, Lumiweave technology is also an environmental 'fabric' in name and in fact.
