Universe of Energy - Epcot, Disney World, FL
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 28° 22.482 W 081° 32.880
17R E 446306 N 3138832
The Universe of Energy pavilion is a partially solar-powered attraction at Epcot in Disney World.
Waymark Code: WM20HQ
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 08/15/2007
Views: 164
The Universe of Energy is an attraction at Epcot in Disney World that teaches all about various forms of energy. It features Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy, with cameo appearances by Alex Trebek, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Richards.
The large theater cars that guests travel in to experience the attraction are mostly powered by electricity. However, the roof of the building is covered with two acres of photovoltaic cells, providing 15% of the power needed to run the ride. There are 80,000 cells, producing a peak output of about 70,000 watts of direct current, which is then converted into alternating current for use inside. The building is placed within the park so that the solar cells get optimal exposure to the sun, which also leads to the wedge shaped profile of the roof, so that the collectors are angled even more directly with it.
Portions of the above information is from The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World.