SolarBotanic unveiled what it is describing as a revolutionary renewable energy solution – Energy Harvesting Trees. Biomimicry and Nano technology are integral to SolarBotanic’s schema. Exclusively designed Nanoleaves are incorporated with a combination of Biomimicry and advanced Nano technologies. The result is said to be a green, clean, highly efficient means for generating electricity.
SolarBotanic’s energy harvesting process utilizes three major types of technologies; Photovoltaics, Thermovoltaics and Piezovoltaic. The SolarBotanic PV/TV/PZ subprogram research and development are divided into two main areas: nanoleaf and artificial tree or plant structures. Nanoleaf technology is a method of green energy collection, combining the conversion of light, heat and wind power. Integrated nano technologies enable the nanoleaves to convert solar radiation (light & heat) into electricity.
The leaf petiole or the stem, and twigs comprise nano-piezovoltaic material – these tiny generators produce electricity from movement or kinetic energy caused by wind or falling raindrops. According to the company, a fundamental flaw in conventional solar cells is that electrons give too much energy by sunlight and lose that energy in heat form, as the electrons move thermally to the bottom of the conduction band. SolarBotanic "hotcarrier" solar cells would use quantum dots (i.e., nano-particles) to confine electrons long enough so that they could be extracted before their energy dissipates as heat. With this process of combining the conversion of light, heat and wind, more energy is generated, as the "hot carrier" can now be efficiently used with the implementation of thermovoltaic cells.
Using biomimicry techniques, a SolarBotanic artificial tree, or plant structure, functions as a passive solar-wind harvester. Ultimately, energy is harvested then efficiently captured, concentrated, stored and/or converted to a high value energy form.
SolarBotanic’s essential technical element is the Nanoleaf; designed to capture the sun’s radiant energy in photovoltaic and thermovoltaic cells, and convert the radiation into electricity. As the wind blows the layers of voltaic material in the stems, twigs and branches are moved, compressed and stretched, creating electricity. Consequently, as the sun shines, the winds blow and the rain falls, millions of micro circuits activate, each making its contribution to the electrical energy of the tree. An average tree with a canopy of approximately 6 square meters can generate enough energy to provide for the needs of the average household.
SolarBotanic trees have the capacity to supply a single household or can be installed in areas where natural growing groups of trees would previously have been used,(i.e., along motor ways, in suburban streets, parks,etc.), and can make a significant contribution to the national electrical grid. In areas where wind turbines are not welcome the SolarBotanic trees can be used in groves, capturing both wind and sun. SolarBotanic woods of oak, ash, beech or sycamore have the advantage over organic deciduous trees where instead of losing their leaves in winter, they maintain "foliage" and continue to generate energy. In deserts, where hydroponics allow the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, SolarBotanic trees and plants both shade the growing tunnels, and provide electricity to circulate water and cool the interior.
SolarBotanic energy systems are well suited for grid-connected power, grid-independent power, water and space heating, industrial process heating, and power plants.
The company retains patents and has patents pending covering Biomimicry, Nanoleaf Technology, Energy transfer materials and process, and has confirmed proof of concept criteria as required by investor groups. SolarBotanic is interested in talking to potential JV partners who have the required sector expertise and funding to take this project from the R&D phase to full commercialization.
