Overview of Nanoleaves Technology
One of the emerging nanotechnologies related to renewable energy is nanoleaves and stems of artificially created trees or plants. They are intended to harness energy provided by the wind and sun, thereafter converting it into electrical energy. Moreover, to better understand the fundamental of nanoleaves, we have to dig into an innovative field of technologic development, called Biomimicry.
Overview of Biomimicry Technology
The nanoleaves have been specially designed to imitate the natural process of photosynthesis. A mechanism by which, typical plants absorb the light emitted by the sun and CO2 in the atmosphere. The artificial trees do even copy the natural re-cycling process of oxygen. It is very recent that nanoleaves technology started to reap even more advanced levels. It can now harvest thermal energy as well. Moreover, the leaves fixed on artificial trees are also able to collect energy derived through movement of the wind, known as kinetic energy, which is as well converted into electrical energy.
Compositions of Nanoleaves
The nano-technology was initially developed to harness solely solar energy. However, nowadays it has widespread uses. It exploits various alternative sources of energy like wind, solar and thermal energy. Furthermore, these highly advanced artificial plants and/or trees use tiny cells to capture energy:
Thermal Energy - Tiny thermovoltaic cells are used to capture thermal energy via semi-conducting material which converts the heat into electricity.
Light Energy - There are also tiny photovoltaic cells (PV) incorporated in the nanoleaves. These small PV cells capture the light rays emitted by the sun. The light is then converted into electricity.
Kinetic Energy - Kinetic energy is harnessed through movement. The wind produces motion in stems and branches. This motion is collected via piezovoltaic (PZ) cells. The PZ has semi-conducting devices incorporated into the artificial structure of trees and plants. The PZ and the semi-conducting devices convert typical wind energy (kinetic energy) into electricity.
Best Places to use Nanoleaves
The use of piezvoltaic, thermovoltaic and photovoltaic cells does effectively convert an amalgamation of energy sources into electricity. Artificial energy trees can be used for both domestic or even industrial purposes. According to Solarbotanic, erecting an approximate of six meter area of nanoleaves can produce enough energy for an average household. More, intricate is that, artificial trees can be constructed at various areas, like;
Desert - The earth has large areas of unexploited deserts which can be used to generate a massive amount of electricity, if artificial trees were planted. The energy produced could be used to solve the most predominant challenge in desert; provide electricity to power desalination. The desalinated water could thereafter be used for irrigation and drinking purposes. The fragile desert environment would hardly be affected by such a project yet the benefits are extensive. To further minimize the environmental impact on desert, the artificial trees could be planted alongside roads, coasts and other areas where it would protect inhabitants from sandstorms and provide constant shade form the sun.
Golf Courses, Recreation Grounds and Parks - Artificial golf courses, recreational grounds and parks could have artificial plants and trees planted to supply electricity for at least a portion of recreational parks. For golf course, the nanoleaves could fuel ground maintenance vehicles.
Office Parking and industrial Zone - The multi-fold benefits of planting trees near office parkings and industrial zone are numerous. It provides with electricity to office, parking lights and other uses. Moreover, it does also provide with shade from the sun and offers an aesthetic landscaping.
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