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INTERVIEW: Eden Full on Inventions

Posted on 07. Apr, 2009 by Charles Tsai in E-Inspiration, Environment, Tech-Inspiration, Technology

Most teens have never heard the term “photovoltaics” let alone know what it is – a type of technology that turns solar energy into electricity.

But not Eden Full.  The 16-year-old Canadian teen knows enough about the field that she has even invented a new device that can help solar panels maximize their performance.

How?  Her invention helps solar panels track the sun as it moves across the sky during the day so they get more direct exposure.  Tracking devices do exist but hers is made from affordable materials that are commonly found – even in developing countries.

We interviewed Eden to get to know the origins of her invention and how she thinks as an inventor.

Dynamic Photovoltaics uses bimetallic thermal expansion and hydraulic restrictor control to limit the rotational movement of a solar panel when following sunlight.

1) Describe the moment when you first thought of yourself as an inventor. What happened?

I decided I would be a scientist when I was three years old but I first thought of myself as an inventor in Grade 9 when I realized that I could take my lifelong interest in science and technology and apply it to an everyday issue that needed to be addressed in our global community.

Since I was nine years old, I have been doing solar panel-related research projects that gradually developed my interest and knowledge of renewable energy technologies.

I wanted to be able to explore this field further while helping others in lighting up their homes every night. As a child, I had always had a passion for learning more and increasing my knowledge. I believe that by improving energy accessibility, I can make this opportunity available to many others who have potential to make a difference as well.

2) How did the idea for Dynamic Photovoltaics come about?

Optimization of photovoltaic technology in energy collection has been a passion of mine for many years. I began conducting my own research on improving the efficiency and potential of solar energy. I have had the opportunity to present this research at science fairs for the past seven years, obtaining recognition on a national and international level.

Because of my involvement, I have also developed an awareness of environmental and energy accessibility concerns, which I hope to tackle through my work. My research is what has inspired me to utilize my lifelong passion for science to become a social entrepreneur.

3) What’s the greatest challenge in this project?

The greatest challenge in this project is gathering the financial resources necessary to continue revising prototypes and increasing awareness for the project. A majority of my research requires the purchase of very specific electrical and mechanical components in order to evaluate the function of particular aspects of my invention. As I am a high school student, it is difficult to find adequate resources and support for my initiative. Primarily, the monetary awards that Dynamic Photovoltaics have won are what support this project in purchasing components.

In the future, I hope that Dynamic Photovoltaics will be able to garner more support from the community for this cause. The more resources available will improve and increase the impact that this project has on society.

4) Which inventors do you find most inspirational? Why?

Hideki Kozima

Hideki Kozima is an inventor I find inspirational because he invented a robot that is not only capable of advancing modern technology in robotics, but also integrates into typical environments with people of all ages.

Geared particularly towards improving social communication in children with developmental disorders, Keepon is a lovable robot that embodies the concept of taking something innovative and using it to help others. Its user-friendliness also helps deliver a message to the world that inventions truly make a difference in our everyday lives. I believe that this is a very important principle to keep in mind as an inventor.

5) What do you think are the three essential qualities or skills of a great inventor?

• An inventor needs to be passionate about what they are doing in order to find the motivation to continue pursuing it.
• An inventor also needs to never give up, despite how difficult the situation is and how hopeless it may seem.
• An inventor needs to be creative in order to open their mind to new ideas and the input of others for the improvement of their invention.

6) Why are you so passionate about being an inventor?

I want to make a difference. Ultimately, I have yet to truly figure out how I will do so, but I believe that inventing is a good start on my part.

7) In the years to come, what issue or problem would you like to tackle with your inventive spirit?

I am very passionate about energy accessibility. I hope that I can continue to pursue this issue in developing a technology that is accessible to all audiences of different educational backgrounds.

Related Post:
VENTURE: Dynamic Photovoltaics

Tags: Canada, energy, interviews, solar