Interesting Bit of the Day : Leaf Power
Credit: http://www.flickr.com/people/hinkelstone/
Today’s Interesting Bit of the Day is about tech mimicking nature, a twist on “art” mimicking “life”.
Leaves, yes *those* leaves, come in all shapes and size and perform many tasks. Some leaves are fuzzy to collect water droplets. Some leaves store toxins to keep predators away. Others form a funnel or bowl shape to collect water to evaporate slower. However, the primary function of leaves is to collect sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into Chlorophyll, essentially plant food.
Converting sunlight into energy is something plants do very well. So well in fact that scientists are now starting to shift research from traditional expensive solar panels to ones emulating leaves. From the article, traditional solar panels are silicon wafers that directly convert sunlight into energy (i.e. Photovoltaic). The “artificial leaf” panels would mimic the process of photosynthesis. I can only guess that it might also help filter c02 in the air since that is part of the process as well. Double win. The article suggests that all the worlds power for a year could be supplemented with one hour of direct sunlight. This is amazing by any standards, but the article fails to mention the necessary amount of exposed surface to attain this much power. Any electromagnetic dorks out there will liken this to “flux”. Either way, it is neat and I am glad to see the USA setting aside money to research it.
One other interested bit falls into the realm of power generation called “Piezoelectricity”. Typically, electricity is generated by turning a turbine which in turn acts like a generator. This can be done with falling water, steam, windmills, etc. Solar is different. But even more different (and bizarre) is Piezoelectric production of electricity. Essentially, there are certain crystals that, when force is applied, produce an electrical current. Many crystals will work – from sugar to Quartz. Piezoelectric devices are used in grill starters and my electric drum heads for example.
For the purpose of this post, I wanted to mention that scientists have attempted another way to generate power using the concept of the leaf – Piezoelectric Trees. They are essentially an alternative to wind mills to harness wind energy. Imagine a tree covered in crystals instead of leaves – each generating power as they flap in the breeze. Granted, the leaves may not look exactly like the sort of crystals you are thinking of (nor even leaves for that matter), but you get the idea. There is a lot of really interesting piezoelectric science to discuss, but I will save that for another day.
As an aside, while looking quickly for a Piezoelectric Trees article, I found a recreation boat powered by the dance floor. I think I need to install one of these.
Thanks again for reading, and if you made it this far, please comment and tell me what you think of my “Interesting Bit of the Day” series.
Related Links:
- Scientists explore how the humble leaf could power the planet via Guardian.co.uk
- Flapping Piezo-Leaf Generator for Wind Energy Harvesting via Cornell.edu
- GO2 Catamaran Powered By Its Piezoelectric Dance Floor via Eco Trees
- Photovoltaics via Wikipedia
- Piezoelectricity via Wikipedia
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About Me
Blaine Garrett is a Minneapolis-based web designer, fine artists, and general jack of all trades. When he is not designing next-generation web applications or feverishly painting away, he dabbles in other creative endeavors as well as enjoying the fruits of the luscious Twin Cities.
