Organic PV Cells, Electricity Collected from Plant Photosynthesis – Feasibility and Demonstration


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The main objective of this project is to demonstrate and develop new potential source of natural energy (electricity) by photosynthesis, and directly from living (inedible) plant. The electricity capacity will be evaluated based on various plants nature, and time for sunlight exposure. In this project, a new method for electricity current collection, based on micro-electrophysiology patches “on plant”, will be devolved and tested to optimize for the selected plant crop. A new genetic engineered plant, for high quality electricity current release, will be selectively tested and developed for best choice of growing line at in the field. The project combines information science, chemical and electric engineering, microbiology, plant cell and molecular biology, plant breeding, and integrates research with industrial R&D, to develop a novel, sustainable, renewable energy technology. The principle of the breakthrough is a photosynthetic plant extract, incubated in the sunlight, in which a genetically improved electron transport chain (Echain) linked into a semiconductor element via an electron carrier protein (E-protein) will transport sunlight-excited electrons to generate electricity. The input of the planned system is sunlight, soil and water, while its output is electric power. The by-products, oxygen and hydrogen, will be collected for industrial use, and discharged plant extracts will be transformed to a fertiliser for crop farming. Thus, the project is characterised not only by its innovative technology, but also by its sustainability – completely free from any pollutants – and its circular economy. The scientific outcome of the project is a new concept and knowledge of solar energy conversion via the E-chain.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2009 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 59 - 60
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Solar Technologies
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1787-2