Solar powered Palm trees in Dubai
Solar panel powered palm-tree inspired Wi-Fi stations have become the latest addition to the smart city technology in Dubai.
Umm Suqeim Beach and Za’abeel Park are the first two locations for the Smart Palms which provide free wireless internet access. They also give information on the weather, local attractions and have facilities for charging up mobile devices.
Around six metres tall the plan is for 103 to be in place across the city at popular outdoor locations.
The initiative – part of the UAE Cabinet Year of Innovation project – has been jointly put together by Dubai Municipality, Smart Palm creators D Idea Media, Du, Sun Tab Solar Energy and Promo Tech Gulf Industry.
Hussain Lootah, the director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “Under the guidance of our leaders, Dubai has developed an international reputation as a place for technology and innovation.
“Through Smart Palm, the public will be able to benefit from free direct access to the internet while providing valuable public information covering a range of topics including weather forecasts and orientation guides.
“Most importantly, these structures are entirely self-sufficient thanks to their mono crystalline solar panels, which provide up to 21 percent efficiency.”
The Smart Palm’s fronds are topped with photovoltaic panels which take in and store energy from the sun during the day. As well as powering its facilities each palm lights up at night.
The stations runs entirely on solar power and offers high-speed Wi-Fi up to a range of 53 metres, supporting up to 50 users at a time. It also has phone and tablet charging points offering two-and-a-half times faster charging speeds than a regular plug.
Two screens on each palm offer weather details, local news, a navigation application, general Dubai information — and even a selfie camera.
Other venues soon be included in the scheme include Dubai Creek Park, Al Mamzar Park and Al Barsha Pond Park.
D Idea Media said: “The Smart Palm Project is an iconic fusion of easy access information, accessible Wi-Fi and green technology.
Source : Arabian Business