[GPSCC-chat] 13-Year-Old FInds Fibonacchi Series in Tree Branching; Creates Improved Solar Array

[Brian Good]

http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/2011/aidan.html

He was looking for a mathematical pattern in the spiral array of branches, and wondered
if this layout was to optimize catching light.  He then used solar panels to build a model
tree, and raced its performance against a comparable conventional fixed solar panel.  The 
tree layout produced 20% more electricity and collected sun for 2-1/2 hours longer.  In
December, the tree produced 50% more electricity and functioned 50% more hours.

I've sure as hell spent enough hours, weeks, and months looking at trees in the sunlight.
Now why didn't I think of that?  I'm intrigued by the ease with which a column-based solar 
"tree" could track the sun by simple rotation.  Branches could rotate too for fine adjustment.








 		 	   		  
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