According to SCMP, Chinese scientists have developed a power generator by harnessing the water evaporation process of plants to produce electricity.
This technology has the potential to turn almost any type of leaf on Earth into a sustainable energy source with the ability to provide continuous power.
Chinese scientists using lotus leaves to test steam generation devices for energy harnessing.
A research team from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University stated that the electric generator utilizing leaf evaporation – in this case, using lotus leaves, can power small electronic devices and be used to create a power grid run by plant species.
The team wrote in a paper published in the journal Nature Water on September 16: “This research not only explores the previously undiscovered hydroelectric application in the evaporation process of leaves but also provides a new perspective to promote green energy technologies.”
Electricity harnessed from hydroelectric sources primarily relies on the movement and interaction of water with solid surfaces. Current hydroelectric devices require a stable water supply, usually necessitating proximity to large water bodies such as rivers or dams.
The team noted: “However, the natural evaporation process of leaves is rarely directly harnessed. Here, we are pioneering the development of a lotus leaf steam generation device (LTG) to demonstrate the feasibility of generating electricity from the evaporation process of leaves.”
Evaporation is the driving force for water and minerals to travel from the roots to the leaves, and then to other parts of the plant. Researchers estimate that generating electricity through the evaporation process from plants, when implemented on a global scale, could produce 67.7 TWh of electricity (67.7 billion kWh) annually.
Hu Qichang, the lead author of the paper and a professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, stated: “Through further research and technical optimization, the process of generating electricity from leaves could become a widely used and commercially viable technology. The main advantages here are sustainability, environmental friendliness, and low cost.”
The steam generation electricity generator has distinct advantages over traditional hydroelectric generators, such as simple devices, low costs, and no need for large-scale water sources. According to Professor Hu, this technology could also serve as a power source for remote areas without requiring large infrastructure.
Professor Hu explained that since plants continuously exchange water with the environment through evaporation, the energy generation process can occur all day long, especially when there is ample sunlight.
The research team found that several factors influence the evaporation process and the device’s efficiency. A thicker trunk diameter allows for a higher rate of water transport, thereby improving efficiency. Higher ambient temperatures will enhance electricity generation, while increased humidity may hinder the process.
Professor Hu pointed out that to achieve widespread application, several challenges need to be addressed, such as improving the electricity generation efficiency of a single leaf, optimizing energy collection and storage systems, and expanding application capabilities.
Currently, the electricity output from a single leaf is relatively small. The team’s research indicates that connecting multiple plants and leaves could form a power grid, enhancing overall output.
Hu remarked: “In the future, this technology has promising potential for widespread application in areas such as energy internet, smart grids, IoT, and sensors.”
While the efficiency of the LTG and the theoretical mechanisms of this technology are still in their early stages, Hu stated that the team will explore various methods for development.
