Batree

Inspired by a real-time mapping of the micro-wind patterns in Dubai. It highlights the importance of quantifying and mapping the micro-wind flows, in view of proposing ways to capitalize on them as a resource to potentially generate electricity. Using palm trees as sensors and potential harvesters of micro-winds, the project makes of piezoelectric technology to transform movement into electrical energy.

Project Type

Product Design

Date Started

April 2023

Location

Dubai

People

Team Project

The ground-breaking "Batree" project, basically utilizes the creative usage of palm tree branches as sensors and energy collectors to harness micro-winds in Dubai. This has been developed by carefully incorporating piezoelectric sensors into the crown of the palm tree trunk and leading up to the fronds of palm tree branches. This project intends to maximize the use of the city's abundant wind resources to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. An in-depth analysis of the project's various aspects is provided in this article, covering its technological developments, design considerations, energy conversion and storage, integration with existing palm trees. A thorough research reveals that this revolutionary strategy has the potential to completely change Dubai's renewable energy industry while protecting the city's recognizable palm trees.

Manufacturing Piezoelectric PVDF Thin Film

A series of experiments were conducted to measure the electrical conductivity ol various materials. The experiments involved using a capacitor, diode, and LED to assess the electrical conductivity of each material. The results obtained from these experiments were carefully documented and analysed. After analysis, it was discovered that regular printing paper exhibited the highest level of electrical conductivity amongst others. These allowed for identifying the optimal material lor developing the piezoelectric sensor.

The ultimate material utilized consisted of a duo of paper sheets. One of these papers possessed a layer of aluminium affixed to a single side. On the other hand, the second paper also exhibited aluminium on one side; however, it was covered with kapton tape on the identical side. When subjected to friction, these papers generated an electrical charge that could subsequently be preserved.

Using the Piezoelectric Sensors on the trees

Piezoelectric sensors can track the vibrations and movements of a palm tree when they are integrated into the tree. These movements can be brought on by the wind, rain, or even human contact. Moreover, electricity can be produced using the data the sensors acquire. In this scenario, the piezoelectric sensors would register the pressure or movement and produce an electric charge when the leaves of the palm tree swayed in the wind or when someone touched them. The LED light bulbs mounted to the tree would then be turned on using this charge.