3D Printed Solar Energy Trees

Artificial Electricity Harvesting Trees   

In a world with a growing need for energy, it is very important to suffice such needs. However, careful consideration must be taken to ensure that we do not take the easy way out by burning cheap, available fossil fuels that brings adverse effects to the environment. We should take the initiative in finding alternative renewable energy sources which will help reduce the pollution in the environment instead. Imagine if you could get electricity by adding more “trees” while reducing pollutants. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), the largest leading multidisciplinary research and technology organisation in Northern Europe has managed to develop and produced a unique innovative technology, namely the artificial electricity harvesting trees.

3D Printing Process

These trees can be infinitely replicated through the application of another emerging technology which is 3D-printing ^[1] (additive manufacturing). Manufacturing using 3D-printing helps saves massive amount of time and is capable of manufacturing components of different materials together which were previously impossible using traditional manufacturing methods via subtractive manufacturing. Since the trees can be made via well-established and widely used mass production technique, it can be a safe investment for investors to venture into.

The tree’s leaves are made up of printed organic solar cells ^[2] and each leaf has a separate power converter. The plastic in organic solar cells can be produced at high volumes at low costs and with only a small amount of materials it enables the organic solar cells to absorb large amount of light. A multi-converter system makes the tree possible to harvest energy from a variety of sources other than sunlight, such as wind and fluctuations in temperature.

    

                

  

The tree’s trunk consists of 3D printed biocomposites ^[3] which means they are biodegradable and pollute the environment less. Aside from being durable, biocomposites are also a cheap, renewable source can be completely recyclable in most cases. As a technology enabler, VTT has the know-how to develop and tailor 3D printed biocomposites.

                           

All in all this technology might not be able to bear fruit to eat however it is still a momentous innovation. Imagine a tree that creates electricity from sunshine, vibrations and temperature differentials; it’s simply amazing!

“Today it can power your mobile, but imagine the impact a whole forest can have tomorrow.” - VTT

Want to know more? Click on the video below:

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^[1] 3D-printing: A term used to describe any one of various processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object

^[2] Organic solar cells: A type of polymer solar cell that uses organic electronics, a branch of electronics that deals with conductive organic polymers or small organic molecules, for light absorption and charge transport to produce electricity from sunlight by the photovoltaic effect.

^[3] Biocomposites: A composite material formed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibres.

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References:

Bartel, C., (2014). Additive vs subtractive manufacturing. Available at

http://www.approto.com/Media-Center/Additive-vs-Subtractive-Manufacturing--Which-is-Ri.aspx. [Accessed 18 September 2015].

Collins, W., (2012). Biodegradable. Available at

            http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/biodegradable.

            [Accessed 18 September 2015].

Collins, W., (2012). Durable. Available at

            http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/durable.

            [Accessed 18 September 2015].

Ramon, A., (2015). 3D Printed Solar Energy Trees. Available at

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/3d-printed-solar-energy-trees/.

[Accessed 18 September 2015].

VTT, (2015). Solar power from energy-harvesting trees. Available at

http://www.vttresearch.com/media/news/solar-power-from-energy-harvesting-trees-%E2%80%93-watch-the-video. [Accessed 18 September 2015].

Written by: S

Last Edited: 15/10/2015 3:23 PM by S