Plant Power!

What if we could harness the power of plants? Studies at University of Washington and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown some interesting progress. The MIT study showed that “plants can generate up to 200 millivolts when one electrode is placed in a plant and the other in the surrounding soil.” These same researchers are working with a company called Voltree, and developing a technology to power early forest fire detection sensors, which is already being tested near Boise, ID. The students at UW have been working on a similar technology that use trees to power sensors. In essences, their technology stores energy then boosts it to a useable level.

I this is an extremely viable option for our sensor needs on site. Using this small, but measureable direct current to power temperature and humidity sensors on the organic farm is an intriguing concept. Instead of adding yet another leach to the power grid, why not use a harvest power from a source that already is present on the organic farm.  

The people at Voltree are have created sensors that detect air temperature and humidity, which are exactly what we have talked about needing on the farm, specifically in the hoop houses. There has been some discussion involving specific Decagon Sensors that could be utilized on the farm as well. I think this is a very realistic way to power these sensors on the farm. Some engineering may be required to make the boost converter work with the sensors, but some collaboration with Voltree and researchers at UW could make this a reality.

http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=51869

http://voltreepower.com/vproducts/key-features.php

Comments

[Josh Doerr]

Check out this small solar panel system used for sensing soil moisture and turning on/off irrigation.

http://voltaicsystems.com/diy/solar-powered-automated-garden/