CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
In the years ahead we will witness a world where there will be scarcity for non-renewable energy
sources, but mankind is blessed that we are provided with the solar power and wind power which
will last for millions of years. By using this new technology, we can harvest the energy of the
sun and wind by embodying substantiated science. Also existing source of renewable energy,
solar panels, parabolic sun collectors, wind and tidal turbines are inefficient, expensive and
environmentally insensitive.

One of the emerging nanotechnologies related to renewable energy is nanoleaves and stems of
artificially created trees or plants. They are an emerging form of renewable energy through
collecting energy from the sun and wind and converting it to electrical energy. The leaves are
distributed throughout artificial trees and plants, and when operating at optimum efficiency can
supply a whole household with electricity. They are intended to harness energy provided by the
wind and sun, thereafter converting it into electrical energy.

There are mainly two important reasons for which we should go for energy harvesting trees.

They are as follows:

- Firstly, this energy harvesting trees are eco- friendly and neat form of technology.

- Secondly, these solar trees could offer frequent plug- in stations for the electric vehicles and
hybrids of the near and distant future.

It is the best option of energy generation because it requires very less land as
compare to the traditional PV system. It can generate energy very efficiently as compare to

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traditional system. Depending on size & location, a tree can produce between 2000 & 12000
kWh per year.

For the traditional system we require large size of land to generate a small amount of power. It
requires about 1% land as compare to the traditional system. And it gives an efficiency of over
84%.

The leaves are distributed throughout artificial trees and plants, and when operating at optimum
efficiency can supply a whole household with electricity [10-12]. They are intended to harness
energy provided by the wind and sun, thereafter converting it into electrical energy as shown in
figure no 2.

Example:

 To generate 2MW power from a PV module we require 10-12 acres of land for housing
of panels only.
 But for the same amount of energy we require only 0.10-0.12 acres of land in case of
nano tree.

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 CHAPTER 2

ARTIFICIAL NANO TREES

One of the emerging nanotechnologies related to renewable energy is nanoleaves and stems of
artificially created trees or plants. They are an emerging form of renewable energy through
collecting energy from the sun and wind and converting it to electrical energy. The leaves are
distributed throughout artificial trees and plants, and when operating at optimum efficiency can
supply a whole household with electricity.

They are intended to harness energy provided by the wind and sun, thereafter converting it into
electrical energy.

2.1: CHARACTERISTICS OF NANO TREE

Nano tree is an artificial tree which makes use of renewable energy from sun, wind and
collecting solar and wind energy .Generally artificial trees cannot carry out photosynthesis
naturally. The artificial tree will produce the electrical energy by using both (wind as well as
solar) energies. Energy harvesting refers to scavenging energy or converting energy from one
form to the other. A widespread and popular technique of energy harvesting is converting solar
energy to electrical energy. Solar energy is uncontrollable—the intensity of direct sunlight
cannot be controlled—but it is a predictable energy source with daily and seasonal patterns.
Other techniques of energy harvesting convert mechanical energy or wind energy to electrical
energy. The high efficiency ―nano tree& photo-electrode research enables practical H2
production or Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remediation using PEC (photo electro
chemical cell) with high efficiency by using earth abundant materials and low-cost fabrication
figure no.3. This will have long-term, ongoing, positive impact on the most imminent energy and
environmental issues - clean energy and energy sustainability, environmental remediation, and
therefore, have great benefits to our humanity today and tomorrow.

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Moreover, to better understand the fundamental of nanoleaves, we have to dig into an innovative
field of technologic development, called Biomimicry.

Figure.2.1: Nano Tree Figure.2.2 Energy Harvesting “Piezo-tree”

Concept

2.2: NANOLEAF:
We know very well that piezoelectric crystals, photo voltaic cell and thermo voltaic cells are
used to convert the one form of energy into electrical energy but till now we are not using these
all the techniques in the single system. Think if we are mingling these all the techniques in single
system then surely different types of energies coming to the system can be converted into huge
amount of electrical energy. So for this, the only and the best solution is the Nano leaves because
the leaves on a tree get all these types of energies such as solar energy from sun, wind energy as
well as stress from the rain and for converting these all the energies into electrical energy all the
above mentioned techniques we are having in a single Nano leaf. The other main motive to
choose Nano leaves is that the size is small and compact. The other main advantage of using
Nano leaves is that it can produce more electrical energy than the solar technique.

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 CHAPTER 3

OVERVIEW OF BIOMIMICRY

Our solution is primly based on the principle of ‘Distributed generation’. This solution is loosely
based on the principle of Bio- mimicry.

Biomimicry is an emerging discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these
designs and processes to solve human problems. It is the practice of developing sustainable
human technologies inspired by nature. The nano-leaves have been specially designed to imitate
the natural process of photosynthesis (an organic mechanism by which plants absorb the light
emitted by the sun and CO2 in the atmosphere, turning it into nutrients and oxygen). The
artificial trees will even copy the natural recycling process of carbon-dioxide to oxygen
conversion. It is only recently that nano-leaves technology started to progress to even more
advanced levels; It can now harvest thermal energy in addition to solar. Moreover, the leaves are
also able to collect energy derived through movement of the wind, known as kinetic energy,
which is also converted into electrical energy.

In this bio-mimicry approach, artificially created trees are implanted with nano-leaves, a
composite of nano-photovoltaic, nano-thermo voltaic and nano-piezo sources transforming light,
heat and wind energy (respectively) into ecologically friendly electricity. The nano-leaves
transform the whole solar spectrum of light; converting detectable light, infrared and ultraviolet
into electricity. This works in conjunction with the piezo-electric generators that convert wind
energy into electricity providing efficient, cost effective and attractive looking solutions, while
providing the sustainable electric power.

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Bio-mimicry is a developing science attempting to solve human difficulties by adapting to and
implementing nature’s systems into human technology. This job is accomplished by way of the
use of nature’s design with synthetic trees, shrubs, plants and flowers all developed with nano-
leaves engineered photo-voltaic (PV) cells. This emerging yet brilliant method of energy creation
is both clean and renewable with a broad range of applications.

This is accomplished by way of the use of nature‘s design with synthetic trees, shrubs, plants and
flowers all developed with nano-leaves engineered photo-voltaic (PV) cells. This emerging yet
brilliant method of energy creation is both clean and renewable with a broad range of
applications. In biomimicry concept, trees are fitted with nanoleaves. The nano-leaves have been
specially designed to imitate the natural process of photosynthesis (an organic mechanism by
which plants absorb the light emitted by the sun and CO2 in the atmosphere, turning it into
nutrients and oxygen). The artificial trees will even copy the natural recycling process of carbon
dioxide to oxygen conversion. It is only recently that nano-leaves technology started to progress
to even more advanced levels; It can now harvest thermal energy in addition to solar. The nano-
leaves transform the whole solar spectrum of light; converting detectable light, infrared and
ultraviolet into electricity.

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 CHAPTER 4

COMPOSITION & DESIGN OF NANO LEAVES

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:

4.1: Thermal energy

This is captured through the use of thermo voltaic (TV) cells which convert thermal energy into
electricity by using semi- conducting materials (a material which is between a metal and an
insulator; its conductivity increasing with temperature rise).

4.2: 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.

4.3: 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.

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4.4: Tio2

The nano leaves are designed by using the tio2 nano particles because it’s very effective power
generating nano particles and cost is very less so in cosmetic and skin care products, titanium
dioxide is used as a pigment, sun- screen and a thickener. It is also used as a tattoo pigment and
in styptic pencils. Titanium dioxide is produced in varying particle sizes, oil and water
dispersible, and with varying coatings for the cosmetic industry. This pigment is used
extensively in plastics and other applications for its UV resistant properties where it acts as a UV
absorber, efficiently transforming destructive UV light energy into heat. Titanium dioxide is
found in almost every sunscreen with a physical blocker because of its high refractive index, its
strong UV light absorbing capabilities and its resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light.
This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.
Sunscreens designed for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide
and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are believed to cause less skin irritation than
other UV absorbing chemicals. The titanium dioxide particles used in sunscreens have to be
coated with silica or alumina, because titanium dioxide creates radicals in the photo catalytic
reaction. These radicals are carcinogenic, and could damage the skin.

Though the trunk would be made primarily of recycled materials including plastic bottles and car
tires, it would also contain liquefied waste biomass—wood—processed via a steam-combustion
technique developed at the State Institute of Wood Chemistry in Riga, Latvia. "The result is a
fluid product that we mould into any form we like, so therefore we should be able to create trees
that look, feel and smell like real wood,. The leaves wouldn't be shiny like a solar panel.

Then First of all we are creating two transparent conducting layers of silica which will act as
the outer body of the leaf. After this we are placing one solar cell in between these two layers
which is used to convert the solar energy into electrical energy then we are placing the piezo
voltaic cell, thermo voltaic cell and photo voltaic cell. These all the cells are interconnected to
the highly conducted metal film to complete the circuit for the flow of electrons and protons. The
piezoelectric generator is placed on the bottom of the leaf which is used to convert the stress due
to rain and wind into the electrical energy.

8
 Now these leaves are connected to the twigs of the artificial tree. Then these small twigs are
connected to the stem of the tree with the means of the piezoelectric crystal to covert the stress of
the twig also into electrical energy. The electrical energy from the all leaves and twigs is stored
at the bottom of the tree by using the storage device

Figure.4.1: Different ways to create electricity

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 CHAPTER 5

OPERATION & WORKING

Sun, wind, water, earth and life touch our living senses immediately always, everywhere and
without any intervention of reason. They simply are there in their unmatched variety, moving us,
our moods, memories, imaginations, intensions and plans. To capitalize on the wealth of designs
and processes found in nature, engineering and technology gave us the ingredients, creative
thinking, and unique solutions made it possible to bring all this together into a natural looking
leaf - the Nanoleaf.

To complete the tree for multi energy exploitation, the petiole twigs and branches are
incorporated with Nano piezo-electric elements. A Nanoleaf is thin like a natural leaf, when
outside forces, like the wind pushes the Nanoleaf back and forth, mechanical stresses appear in
the petiole, twig and branches. When thousands of Nanoleaves flap back and forth due to wind,
millions and millions of Pico watts are generated, the stronger the wind, the more energy is
generated. Our Nanoleaves only reflect a small part of the sunlight that strikes them, mostly the
green light, and the rest of the spectrum is efficiently converted into electricity.

Besides converting the visible spectrum of light, our Nanoleaves also convert the invisible light,
known as infrared light or radiation, we can't see it, but we can feel it - it's warm - that's why we
call it radiation. Due to the unique combination of photovoltaic and thermo voltaic in our
Nanoleaves it converts this thermal radiation into electricity, even hours after the sun has set.

The more wind there is, the more Nanoleaves are moved. Wind that is moving thousands of
Nanoleaves in a tree canopy are causing mechanical strain in the petiole, twigs and branches.
Nano piezo-electric elements incorporated in the petiole twigs and branches are the tiny Nano
piezo- electric elements that will generate millions and millions of Pico watts as these thousands
of Nanoleaves flap back and forth due to wind. The stronger the wind, the higher the "flap"
frequency, and therefore the larger the watts generated in the petiole, twigs and branches. With

10
the progress in nano technology, the photovoltaic, thermo voltaic and piezo electric materials are
becoming more efficient and combined in one system it will give our products more efficiency
and we believe that soon, Solar Botanic will be a mainstream green energy provider, more
reliable/cheaper and above all better looking.

Batteries are charged during the daytime & used for store the energy & can use on cloudy days.
The LED’s that are used is automatically switched on & these are used to indicate how much
charge/ energy remain left.

Fig.5.1: Working On Energy

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 CHAPTER 6

TREES & PROPERTIES OF NANOLEAF

6.1: PERFECT TREES FOR NANOLEAF
TECHNOLOGY
Two main kinds of trees are used in this technology.

A. The Broad leaf Trees: The Broad leaf Trees can provide between 33500 KWH AND
7000KWH per year, in addition to providing shade, breeze, and beauty.

B. The Solar Botanic Trees: These Trees provide between 2500kWh and 7000kWh per
year. These trees are good for mountainous regions and hill sides, as they provide good sound
absorbers. Solar Botanics has also planned a variety of smaller artificial shrubs for your smaller
electrical needs, like appliances. Solar Botanic has Nano leaf roof and wall carpets that can be
easily installed with various leaf designs.

C. Evergreen trees:

These species can provide between 2500kWh and 7000kWh per year. They can be placed as
single trees or to fence garden properties.

6.2: PROPERTIES OF NANO LEAF

 It is scalable in nature.
 The robust structure gives a complete image for the nano leaf.
 Its cost is low & it is attractive in nature.
 It has biocompatible design & it is easy in installation.
 Easy operation & maintenance gives more importance for nano leaf.

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 Fig:6.1. Nano Leaf

6.3: IMPORTANT TRENDS OF ARTIFICIAL NANO TREES IN

FUTURE:
 The electrical energy produced by these nano trees can be used to drive the cars
 To enlighten the home
 For business purpose
 It can be used as the balancing factor between power prediction & environment.

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 CHAPTER 7

ANALYSIS
7.1: COST ANALYSIS
 The cost of one nano leaf is around 105 paisa.
 A tree is having 10,000 leaves then it can be constructed within Rs.15, 000 including
stem and twigs.
 Thus for the renewable energy sources it is a very cheaper solution.

7.2: PRODUCTION ANALYSIS

s.no quantity Current Voltage Power

1 One leaf 100Ma 1.25 V 0.125 W

2 One tree 12500 W

Table 1: Production Analysis

 A leaf can produce 0.125watts of power with 100mA of current and 1.25 volts of voltage.
 Likewise, a tree can produce 12500 watts of power.

7.3: COMPARISON BETWEEN SOLAR CELLS & NANO

TREES IN PRODUCTION FIELD

s.no solar cells nano leaves

1 90 kWh/ in2 130 kWh/ in2

2 It can produce power from It can produce power from

solar energy only solar, wind & from rain also

Table 2: Comparison between solar cells& nano trees

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 CHAPTER 8

CAPACITY OF ARTIFICIAL TREES

 An average tree with a canopy of 6 square meters can create enough energy to provide
for the needs of an average house hold.
 Tree with a 20 ft solar canopy could generate enough power between 2000 & 12000
kWh per year.
 An unremitting operation over two decades could produce 1, 20,000KWh of energy.
 On a larger scale, a kilometre of solar botanic trees would be able to generate
approximately 350,000 kWh per year, enough electricity to power approximately 60
average size houses.
 Solar Botanic solutions offer up to 50% more power than conventional solar systems.

8.1 Generation and Estimation

Solar botanic tree consists of many nanoleaves and by these nano laves electrical
energy is obtained. One nano leaf produces the electrical energy of 1.25V and 100 mA.
And hence the power generated per nano leaf will be 0.125 W. And the output of this tree
will be from 2,000 kwh to 12,000 kwh.
The total cost required to construct a Solar botanic tree is $12,000 to $20,000.
And the tree can generate electrical energy about 1,20,000 kwh over 20 years. The life
span of this is 20 years.

8.2 Comparison with other sources

Solar botanic tree utilizes renewable sources for the generation of electricity
which is abundantly available. This tree is cost effective in comparison to other sources
as well as efficient.

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S No. Source Generation Cost Availibity

1 Wind 0.3% $35000/house Unlimited

2 Solar 0.5% $25000/house Unlimited

3 Hydro power 4% $47000/20 houses Unlimited

4 Bio fuel 37% $2000/house Limited

5 Solar botonic tree Nil til now $5000/house Unlimited

Table 3: Comparison of Nano tree with other sources

Fig.8.1: Production of electricity

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 CHAPTER 9

CONSOLATIONS, HINDRANCES & APPLICATIONS

9.1: Consolations:
 The tree fully created based on artificial and it doesn’t produces any kind of harmful
effects such as creation of chemical gases, smokes and etc
 Like that of natural tree it also provides sheds, sometime due motion of air it will produce
air motion
 Land requirement is very less.
 As the tree is approximately 7 meters high.
 Triple efficient and durable.
 Easy to install and maintain.
 Weather resistant : rain , dust, lightning, wind.

9.2: Hindrances:
 Difficult to interface nanocells.
 Difficult to interface inverter to the trunk.
 Cost is high.
 May cause hazards to the birds & insects.
 Hazards to eye sight from solar reflectors.

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9.3: Applications:

 Desert

The power supplied by these trees ―planted in the desert can be used to power
desalination plants to produce fresh water from seawater and brackish water aquifers and the
electricity produced is used to power down- whole pumps, enabling water to be piped to other
locations.

 Parks, Recreation Grounds, and Golf Courses

The electricity produced can be used to charge electrically powered ground maintenance
vehicles such as grass cutters as well as electrically powered hand tools like grass trimmers and
pruning shears.

 Office Car Parks and Industrial Units

Trees planted in these locations will not only supply electrical power for the office and
industrial units, but add aesthetic qualities to an otherwise drab area, whilst providing shade from
the wind and sun.

 Charging Purpose

Solar powered tree to charge mobile devices and it can also be used for charging laptops.
Solar powered tree can be used during night time to lights up the street lights.

 Electric vehicle

The depletion of petrol and diesel resources results in emergence of electric vehicles.
These solar and wind powered trees can provide plug-in for electric vehicles and hybrids of the
near and distant future.

It can also be used in Airports, Coast lines, Highways, SolarBotanic flowering plants to
harvest colourful your electric power etc.

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9.4: Case Study

Title:

Analyzing the results of renewable energy source of solar botanic trees

using nano piezo electric elements.

Investigators:

K. Vinod Kumar,

G.S. Ajay Kumar Reddy.

Study area:

Lakireddy Balireddy Autonomous College of engineering,

Krishna district,

Andhra Pradesh.

CONCLUSION FROM CASE STUDY:

To fulfil the increasing energy demand of the people & saving of land, this project is a very
successful one. This can provide electricity without any power cut problem. The extra energy can
be provided to the grid.

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 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
These super eco-friendly synthetic trees will make use of renewable energy from the sun
along with wind power, which is an effective clean and environmentally sound medium of
gathering solar radiation and wind energy. Solar nano technology has wide ranging potential.
Using such technology, power producing solar products could be applied to just about any
surface downtown or anywhere. These artificial trees not only will make the world stable in the
field of energy but also will reduce the use of fossil fuel which is the main cause for the world’s
largest problem global warming. And by this Nanoleaves we definitely try solve our future
upcoming problems due to the scarcity of the electrical energy, and also we product our
environment without any pollutions. We intend to light on how exactly the Nanoleaves can be
achieved.

Energy Harvesting Tree has many scopes, such as the electrical energy produced by these
nano trees can be used to drive the cars, to enlighten the home, for business purposes and it can
be used as the balancing factor between power prediction and environment. The main advantage
is that it is used in efficient and green energy production which can restrict global warming.

20
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