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Step
Into the Future of Energy at
Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex
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Georgia Tech
Research Institute collaboration to
create Piezoelectric-enabled
walkway
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Cape
Canaveral, FL – May 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Human powered energy harvesting
is currently undergoing a trial at Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex with technology developed by Georgia Tech
Research Institute (GTRI.) A representative section prototype of Piezoelectric
(PZ) enabled walkway tiles has been installed at the front entrance
plaza at the visitor complex, and is currently being tested by guests.
The PZ tiles, which generate electricity through energy harvesting when
they are stepped on, will eventually be installed throughout the visitor
complex to entertain and educate guests on sustainability and renewable
energy.
“Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex is at the epicenter of real, cutting edge
implementation and application of new technologies,” said Therrin Protze,
chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “Our work
with Georgia Tech Research Institute allows our guests to be a part of
these new scientific advancements.”
The
tiles illuminate to show guests are generating electricity. Piezoelectricity
is the conversion of mechanical stress into electrical energy while also
converting electric signals into mechanical stress. This can be seen in
examples like the vibrating disks in headphones. By utilizing the inherent
material properties of piezoelectric elements in flooring or roadway applications,
movement and vehicle vibrations can be converted into usable electrical
energy.
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“We
are honored to work with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to showcase
such an innovative use of piezoelectricity. Our goal is to not only create
an exciting adventure for space center visitors, but to also help the public
gain an understanding of real-life applications of sustainable technologies,”
said Dr. Ilan Stern, GTRI senior research scientist.
The
PZ tiles are literal stepping stones to new, green energy. When installed
at the visitor complex, the walkway will be the first real implementation
of this energy harvesting technology, and will serve as a data collection
site for possible future installations elsewhere. In addition to this practical
purpose, the illumination of the PZ tiles will generate stepping patterns
that will show up for interactive game activation with visitor complex
guests. The smartphone application will also allow users to learn more
about the project, the organizations involved, and alternative energy harvesting
methods.
About
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S.
space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational
activities, including its newest attraction, Heroes & Legends, featuring
the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, which opened
November 11, 2016. Other highlights include the Kennedy Space Center Tour
featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket,
Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX®
A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter,
Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden,
Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla.,
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing
times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax
for children ages 3 – 11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual
passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages
3 – 11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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About
Delaware North
Delaware
North is one of the largest privately-held hospitality and food service
companies in the world. Founded in 1915 and owned by the Jacobs family,
Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports
and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts
and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Our thousands of employee
associates are dedicated to creating special experiences one guest at a
time in serving more than 500 million guests annually. Delaware North has
annual revenue of about $3 billion in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants
and catering, parks, resorts, gaming, and specialty retail industries.
Learn more about Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food
service, at www.DelawareNorth.com.
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with Delaware North on Facebook
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Media
Contacts:
Lauren
Walbert
Sandy
Hillman Communications
Office:
410-616-8943
Mobile:
443-683-0294
Rebecca
Shireman
Assistant
Public Relations Manager
Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex
321-449-4273
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