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Press Release02 May 2024Smart InfrastructureZug
University of York strengthens autonomous research capabilities with solar farm completion
Funded through the UK Research
Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), the project will enhance the Institute’s
research capabilities to develop and test robots and other autonomous
systems for the inspection and maintenance of solar arrays.
The solar farm will create a ‘living
lab’ for the Institute to give insight to landowners and operators of solar
farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. It will also
enable the Institute to become net zero for energy by 2025, generating power
for more than 80 per cent of the building’s 600kWh expected daily use.
Siemens’ team supported through consultancy services helping to design, commission and optimise the solar arrays
for the robotic technology being used as part of the Institute’s research, in
addition to setting up a data collection system for the panels which will
underpin research projects at the Institute.
The farm, which spans more than 1,400
square metres, consists of a range of different panel configurations including
static ground installations and a sun-tracking array. Some solar panels are
also mounted onto the side of the Institute’s building and its rooftop as
building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to achieve wide range of installation
positions.
It is one of nine projects that are set
to improve environmental sustainability, thanks to almost £19 million of
funding from UKRPIF.
Universities, as centers of knowledge and innovation, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in addressing climate concerns. Through the solar farm the University will gain valuable insights to enhance the use of robotic technology in driving a sustainable energy future. We were delighted to partner with them on realising this project as we look to broaden the integration of such innovative technologies into our everyday lives.
Faye Bowser, Vice President for the Higher Education Vertical at Siemens
Robotics, autonomous systems and AI have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work in the future. Integrating them with the production of renewable energy will ultimately play a key role in the journey towards net zero. This innovative research project marks an important milestone for the Institute since we opened earlier this year and reaffirms our commitment as a university to sourcing sustainable energy.
Professor Miles Elsden, Director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy
The solar arrays were installed by LYNX Sustainable
Solutions Ltd. The Institute for Safe Autonomy is a new initiative at the
University of York which takes a safety critical approach to the design,
development and testing of robotics and connected autonomous systems. The
purpose-built facility was completed in summer 2022 and provides collaborative
work and test spaces for more than 100 researchers across a variety of
disciplines.
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Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2023, the business had around 75,000 employees worldwide.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.