What is a Solar Energy Tree?
Advantages
- Scientists have developed decorative prototypes of what they are calling “energy harvesting trees”. 1
- The tiny leaves of the tree generate and store solar energy that can be used to power small appliances and mobile devices.1
- They flourish indoors as well as outdoors1
- can also harvest kinectic energy from wind and temperature changes in the surrounding environment! 1
Disadvantages
- Used to power smaller appliances like humidifiers, smartphones, LED lightbulbs, thermometers and other household tools and appliances 3
- Not only can the leaves collect the solar energy, but they can also save kinetic energy from the ambience, like the wind. 2
- Solar energy is a form of renewable energy 2
- Take up less space then solar panels 3
- No Air Pollution 3
- The current version of the trees still cannot power large constructions and buildings 3
- Producing them is not completely environmentally friendly 3
- Expensive 3
- Cause harm to many birds and mammals 3
How do they work?3
Future of Solar Trees
- Used to charge electric cars
- Power entire houses
- Portable 4
The tree’s leaves are actually flexible organic solar cells. Each leaf has a separate power converter, creating a multi converter system that makes it possible to collect energy from a variety of sources like solar, wind and heat temperature. The more solar panels there are in a tree, the more energy it can harvest. The trunks are 3d printed using wood-based biocomposites. They are mass producible and can be infinitely replicated. 3
Costs of the Solar Tree?
The cost is unknown but predicted to be a high price in the near future.4
Feasibility
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Thermal Energy 4
References
- 1 http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/solar-powered-trees-planted-israel-charge-smartphones-cool-water-offer-free-wi-fi/
- 2 http://www.slideshare.net/utkarshgupta7399/solar-tree-44594919
- 3 http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/3d-printed-solar-energy-trees/
- 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QswunfBC8
3D Printed Solar Energy Trees
By: Christian F. and Scottie P.