Apr 1 2013
Schindler, a leading global elevator and escalator provider, is providing significant technical expertise and financial support as a main partner of Solar Impulse, the zero fuel airplane aiming to fly around the world propelled only by solar energy.
The Solar Impulse project underscores Schindler’s commitment to reimagining sustainable mobility. With the “Across America” Mission flights beginning in May, another milestone is trying to be achieved.
As demands on mobility grow and fuel resources dwindle and become more expensive, mankind’s future lies in using clean, sustainable energy from renewable sources.
The solar-powered airplane takes off from Moffett Airport outside San Francisco on May 1st before stopping in Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta or St. Louis, Washington, D.C. and New York City. The Solar Impulse team, alongside contributing Schindler engineers, is already developing targeted innovations that revolutionize the structure of materials, improving their robustness and reducing their weight. Such innovations can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption, which in elevators, account for one of the largest parts of their environmental impact.
“This partnership is the perfect embodiment of Schindler’s ongoing investment in innovative technology for sustainable mobility,” said Bill Fiacco, president marketing and sales, Schindler Elevator Corporation. “Our long-standing commitment to trailblazing technology that safely moves more people with less energy is one we share with Solar Impulse. The insights we gain from working together with the top researchers and technical experts in their fields bring us closer than ever to achieving this common goal.”
Schindler’s destination dispatching system, machine room-less elevators, regenerative drives and variable speed escalator technology are industry benchmarks in innovation. The company’s very latest development, an elevator powered exclusively by solar energy, once again highlights Schindler’s revolutionary and forward-looking spirit.
"Solar Impulse is an excellent example of innovative sustainability and grass-roots entrepreneurship", said Alfred N. Schindler, Chairman of the Schindler Group. "This project is not only about saving and conserving energy; it's all about working smarter instead of working harder.”
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of Solar Impulse welcomes Schindler’s involvement as an important illustration of how forward-looking companies are approaching sustainable development. “Schindler is not simply a partner of Solar Impulse, it is the proof that global companies are increasingly understanding the enormous potential of Cleantech in industrial and economic development, and in the creation of jobs.”
Source: http://www.schindler.com/