Apr 16, 2012

Panasonic Presents 'Photosynthesis' Concept at Milano Salone 2012

Today, Panasonic opened the doors to its sustainable energy installation based on the concept of "Photosynthesis" during the course of the Milano Salone del Mobile 2012, one of the largest and most influential design exhibitions in the world.

Flash Video Report from the Panasonic Installation at the Milano Salone (reported by Manuela Mangiacavalli, Eco Solutions Company, Panasonic Corporation)

In its fifth time to participate in the world famous exhibition, Panasonic is presenting an installation utilizing a variety of its green technologies to represent an energy cycle, comparing it to an ecological cycle that starts with photosynthesis, with each part of the system symbolizing a part of a tree.

The cycle begins with energy creation through the solar panels, the "leaves" of the tree, continuing to energy storage through the storage batteries, or "fruit" of the tree, and energy saving through the LED and OLED lights, the "flowers" of the tree. Each stage of the cycle is controlled by an energy management system.

The Pavilion at Milano Salone 2012, by Takumi Ota

Entire of the Panasonic Installation, by Santi Caleca
LED Lighting at the Corridor, by Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Photos

See more photos and download larger images of the Panasonic Installation below.

The installation was designed by noted young architect, Akihisa Hirata, whose organic vision of living, breathing architecture reflects the open yet interdependent symbiotic cycles in nature. The concept of "photosynthesis" was inspired by the relationship of leaves to fruit to flowers within a single tree.

Akihisa Hirata, Designer of the Installation

"It bespeaks an interdependent, cyclical ecosystem in miniature, an order made possible by the light pouring down from the sun, representing a manmade future in harmony with that order, a new image of buildings and cities that truly form part of the biosphere."
Homepage

The installation is comprised of a variety of Panasonic's environmental technologies for energy creation, energy storage, energy saving and energy management.

(Click each icon for larger image.
More larger images are available to download on Press Kit page.)

Bifacial photovoltaic module "HIT Double"

By sandwiching HIT photovoltaic cells front-to-back between layers of glass, their symmetrical structure allows the generation of electricity on both sides, giving a higher power output than regular one-sided modules.

Storage battery system using lithium-ion batteries

Not just for back-up in case of blackouts but as an effective means of reducing peak energy usage and ensuring a stable energy supply from the fluctuating natural energy sources. This 18kWh system is designed for shops and offices and can be augmented with additional battery units.

LED lamp Clear Type

Panasonic's unique floated-module LED on a translucent base delivers a warm glow similar to clear incandescent bulbs. As bright as a 20W incandescent bulb but with a power consumption of only 4.4W.

OLED lighting panel

This next-generation light source promises unprecedented　applications for uniform surface lighting in any desired luminosity and colour rendition.

OLED lighting module

High rendition (overRa90) and luminosity (3000cd/m2) OLED in Panasonic's own "slide-in" panel. Easy to install in ultra-thin equipment applications. (9mm thick, frame 11mm)

"LUGA" shop LED module

This compact 50mm light engine fuses line dispensing technology on a ceramic base to deliver beautifully sharp shadows and light with an incredible 106lm/W efficiency and 50,000 hour product life.

Variable-colour LED unit

LED unit with synchronized, variable brightness and hue, reproducing the full colour curve.
2000K-2700K: both brightness and hue variable.
2700K-5000K: level brightness, variable hue.

Prototypes of new wiring devices

Panasonic's touch/push switches allow the intuitive adjustment of lighting levels with sensor and dimmer functions as well as wireless handset connectivity over long distances.

As environmental issues grow more severe, the need for sustainability is becoming clearer every day. Panasonic, with its aim of becoming the "No.1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry", is striving to develop a wide range of green technologies that will help reduce our burden on the environment and allow us to lead a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

About the "Photosynthesis" Installation

Viewing Times	Mon 16 - Sun 22 April 09:00 - 24:00 (Attendants on site 11:00 - 21:00) Mon 23 - Sat 28 April 09:00 - 21:00 *Salone del Mobile runs from 17 - 22 April, however the Interni Legacy installation opens from 16 - 28 April
Reception	Tuesday April 17, 2012 20:00
Venue	Interni Legacy Università degli Studi di Milano: Cortile Farmacia Via Festa del Perdono, 7 　 (Exhibition floor space: approx.1,000m2)