ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHETIC LEAF FOR ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION

Abstract

The present invention introduces a renewable energy system utilizing artificial photosynthetic leaves crafted from chlorophyll extracted from plants. These leaves, composed of a gel-like mixture of chlorophyll, wheat starch, corn starch, diluted acetic acid, and glycerin, simulate natural photosynthesis to convert sunlight into electrical energy and release oxygen. Chlorophyll captures photons, triggering electron release, which is harnessed to produce electricity. The system connects multiple artificial leaves in series or parallel to optimize voltage and current output. This eco-friendly, sustainable photovoltaic technology offers an innovative alternative to traditional solar systems, emphasizing environmental benefits and renewable energy advancements.

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the Invention:
The invention pertains to renewable energy, specifically a photovoltaic system employing chlorophyll to mimic natural photosynthesis, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly electricity source.

Background of the Invention:
Global energy demands necessitate sustainable innovations in renewable energy. While solar panels dominate the field, their manufacturing and disposal raise environmental concerns. Chlorophyll, the natural pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants, provides a greener alternative. This invention leverages chlorophyll's ability to convert sunlight into energy to create an artificial photosynthetic leaf, thus combining biological principles with engineering for renewable energy production.

Summary of the Invention:
This invention is a photovoltaic system incorporating artificial leaves that simulate photosynthesis. The core technology relies on chlorophyll extracted from plants, integrated with a gel-like substrate of wheat starch, corn starch, diluted acetic acid, and glycerin. These leaves absorb sunlight, triggering chlorophyll to release electrons. The electrons are captured to generate electrical energy, while oxygen is released as a by-product. The system is modular, allowing the connection of multiple artificial leaves to scale voltage and current outputs for various applications.


Detailed Description of the Invention
This invention provides a novel photovoltaic system using artificial leaves that mimic natural photosynthesis to convert sunlight into electrical energy while also releasing oxygen as a by-product. The detailed components, processes are explained below:

1. Extraction of Chlorophyll
The foundation of this invention lies in the efficient extraction and stabilization of chlorophyll, the primary photosynthetic pigment found in plants. The extraction process includes:
- Source Selection: Chlorophyll is sourced from plant materials such as spinach leaves, algae, or other chlorophyll-rich biomass.
- Preparation:
- Plant material is washed and finely crushed to break down cell walls, releasing internal components.
- A solvent such as ethanol or acetone is added to dissolve chlorophyll and extract it from the plant material.
- Purification:
- The mixture is filtered to remove plant debris and impurities.
- Techniques like centrifugation and chromatography are used to obtain highly purified chlorophyll.

This purified chlorophyll serves as the primary photosynthetic agent in the artificial leaves, capable of converting sunlight into usable energy.

2. Composition of the Artificial Leaves
The artificial leaves replicate the structure and function of natural leaves using a biodegradable gel composition. The ingredients and their roles are as follows:

- Chlorophyll: Acts as the photosynthetic component, absorbing photons to release electrons.
- Wheat Starch and Corn Starch:
- Provide structural integrity to the artificial leaf.
- Act as biodegradable binding agents.
- Diluted Acetic Acid:
- Stabilizes chlorophyll molecules to prevent degradation.
- Maintains pH balance in the leaf structure for optimal functionality.
- Glycerin:
- Adds flexibility and prevents the leaf material from becoming brittle.
- Maintains moisture levels to support long-term functionality.
These components are mixed to form a gel-like substance that is lightweight, flexible, and capable of mimicking the natural properties of leaves.

3. Formation of Artificial Leaves
The gel mixture is processed into thin, flexible layers to create artificial leaves.
- Layer Design:
- The gel is evenly spread on a flat surface and allowed to cure into thin, uniform sheets.
- The sheets are lightweight yet durable, maximizing the surface area available for sunlight absorption.
- Protective Coating:
- A transparent coating is applied to shield the leaves from environmental factors like moisture, dust, and UV radiation.
- The coating is designed to allow optimal light penetration without hindering the photosynthetic process.
- Custom Shapes and Sizes:
- The artificial leaves can be shaped into various designs for specific applications, such as compact panels for rooftops or large-scale installations for farms.

4. Photosynthesis Process in Artificial Leaves
The artificial leaves simulate the natural process of photosynthesis in the following steps:
- Light Absorption: Chlorophyll absorbs photons from sunlight, leading to the excitation of electrons.
- Electron Generation: The excited chlorophyll molecules release electrons.
- Electricity Production:
- Embedded conductive pathways capture the released electrons.
- These electrons are directed through a circuit, generating an electrical current.
- Oxygen Release: As in natural photosynthesis, oxygen is released as a by-product and can be harnessed for secondary applications.

5. Electrical Energy Generation
The system includes an integrated setup to efficiently capture and use the electricity generated by the artificial leaves.
- Conductive Layers: Embedded conductive materials (such as graphene or conductive polymers) are used to channel electrons.
- Energy Storage or Direct Use:
- Generated electricity can be stored in batteries for later use.
- Alternatively, the system can be directly connected to an electrical grid for real-time utilization.
- Configurable Setup:
- Artificial leaves can be connected in series to increase voltage or in parallel to increase current.
- This modularity allows customization based on energy requirements.

6. Modular Design for Scalability
The system is designed to be modular, enabling scalability for different applications.
- Small-Scale Applications:
- Compact units for residential energy solutions.
- Hybrid setups with traditional solar panels for enhanced efficiency.
- Large-Scale Installations:
- Arrays of artificial leaves for commercial and industrial renewable energy farms.
- Integration with existing renewable energy systems to complement production.
- Portable Units:
- Lightweight, portable configurations for use in off-grid areas or disaster relief zones.

7. Oxygen Harvesting
In addition to generating electricity, the system produces oxygen as a natural by-product of photosynthesis.
- Collection Mechanism:
- Specialized chambers collect and store the released oxygen.
- Oxygen can be filtered and compressed for various uses.
- Applications:
- Medical: Oxygen supply for hospitals and emergency setups.
- Industrial: Oxygen for chemical processes.
- Environmental: Oxygen enrichment in polluted or low-oxygen areas.

8. Maintenance and Sustainability
The invention prioritizes eco-friendliness and ease of maintenance.
- Recyclable Materials: Components of artificial leaves are biodegradable and can be recycled, reducing environmental impact.
- Replacement:
- Individual artificial leaves can be replaced without disrupting the entire system.
- The modular nature ensures easy upgrades and repairs.
- Low Resource Consumption: The production process relies on abundant, cost-effective materials like plant biomass, starches, and glycerin.

This invention presents a revolutionary photovoltaic system that utilizes artificial leaves mimicking natural photosynthesis to generate electricity and release oxygen as a by-product. The core of this innovation is the efficient extraction and stabilization of chlorophyll, the primary photosynthetic pigment found in plants. Chlorophyll is extracted from sources such as spinach or algae using solvents like ethanol. The process begins with washing and crushing the plant material to break cell walls, followed by the addition of ethanol to dissolve chlorophyll. The mixture is then filtered, and advanced purification techniques like centrifugation and chromatography yield a highly purified chlorophyll extract, which forms the active component of the artificial leaves.

The artificial leaves are composed of a biodegradable gel made from chlorophyll, wheat starch, corn starch, diluted acetic acid, and glycerin. Chlorophyll serves as the photosynthetic agent, while wheat and corn starch provide structural integrity. Diluted acetic acid stabilizes the chlorophyll molecules, preventing degradation, and maintaining pH balance. Glycerin enhances flexibility and retains moisture within the leaf structure. These components are blended into a gel-like substance designed to replicate the functional properties of natural leaves.

The gel is processed into thin, flexible layers to create artificial leaves. These layers maximize sunlight absorption due to their lightweight and durable design. A transparent protective coating shields the leaves from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and UV radiation, ensuring longevity while allowing optimal light penetration. The leaves can be tailored into various shapes and sizes for specific applications, such as compact residential panels or larger INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS

Artificial leaves simulate the process of photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight through chlorophyll. This absorption excites the chlorophyll molecules, causing them to release electrons. Embedded conductive pathways capture these electrons, converting them into an electrical current. Simultaneously, oxygen is released as a by-product, mimicking the natural functionality of leaves. The electricity generated is directed through conductive layers embedded in the leaves, which connect to energy storage units like batteries or to the electrical grid for real-time use. The leaves can be configured in series to amplify voltage or in parallel to boost current, offering flexibility in energy output.

The modular design of the system allows scalability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. For residential use, compact systems can be installed on rooftops, while large arrays can power commercial and industrial farms. Portable units offer off-grid energy solutions, ideal for disaster relief or remote areas. The system can also integrate with traditional solar panels, creating hybrid energy setups that enhance efficiency.

In addition to electricity, the system produces oxygen as a natural by-product of photosynthesis. This oxygen can be collected using specialized chambers, filtered, and stored for various uses, such as medical oxygen supplies, industrial applications, or environmental enrichment in low-oxygen zones. This dual functionality expands the system's utility beyond energy production.

The invention prioritizes sustainability and ease of maintenance. Materials used in the artificial leaves are biodegradable and recyclable, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The modular nature of the system allows for the replacement of individual leaves without disrupting the entire setup. The production process relies on abundant, cost-effective resources like plant biomass, starches, and glycerin, making the system affordable and sustainable.

Various embodiments of the invention cater to specific applications. Rooftop solar panels use thin, flexible artificial leaves integrated with existing solar systems. Vertical farms optimize space and sunlight exposure in urban settings. Floating energy farms utilize water bodies, creating buoyant platforms that generate power while conserving land. Portable energy units offer compact, foldable solutions for emergencies or off-grid applications. Hybrid systems combine artificial leaves with wind turbines or traditional solar panels to ensure continuous power supply.

This system is versatile, with applications in residential, commercial, agricultural, healthcare, and disaster-relief sectors. It provides eco-friendly energy solutions for homes, powers irrigation systems in remote areas, supplies oxygen and electricity to hospitals, and supports emergency relief operations. By integrating renewable energy generation with oxygen production, this invention addresses modern energy challenges with a sustainable and multifunctional approach.



Different Embodiments
Embodiment 1: Rooftop Solar Panels
Artificial leaves are installed as thin, flexible panels on rooftops, integrated with traditional solar systems to improve energy efficiency.

Embodiment 2: Vertical Farms
The leaves are arranged vertically on structures, optimizing land use and sunlight exposure for energy production in urban areas.

Embodiment 3: Floating Energy Farms
Artificial leaves are mounted on buoyant platforms, creating floating solar farms on lakes or oceans, reducing land use and promoting water conservation.

Embodiment 4: Portable Energy Units
Compact, foldable versions of the artificial leaves are developed for portable energy solutions in off-grid areas or emergency situations.

Embodiment 5: Hybrid Systems
The system is integrated with wind turbines or traditional solar panels to create hybrid renewable energy setups, ensuring continuous power generation.

Applications
This photovoltaic system is versatile and finds applications in various sectors:
- Residential: Eco-friendly energy solutions for homes.
- Commercial: Renewable energy farms for industries and large-scale use.
- Agriculture: Powering irrigation systems and equipment in remote areas.
- Healthcare: Providing oxygen and electricity for medical facilities.
- Disaster Relief: Portable units for emergency power and oxygen supply.
By combining energy production with oxygen release, this invention offers a sustainable, multi-functional solution to modern energy challenges.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A photovoltaic system comprising:
(a) Artificial leaves made of a composition including chlorophyll extracted from plants, wheat starch, corn starch, diluted acetic acid, and glycerin;
(b) A structure enabling the artificial leaves to perform photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight and releasing electrons;
(c) An arrangement of conductive pathways to capture and channel electrons to generate electrical energy; and
(d) A configuration to connect multiple artificial leaves in series or parallel to enhance voltage or current output.

2. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein the chlorophyll is extracted using a solvent-based process, purified to remove impurities, and stabilized for prolonged use.

3. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein the gel-like composition forming the artificial leaves is spread into thin, flexible layers to maximize sunlight absorption.

4. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, further comprising a protective transparent coating over the artificial leaves to shield them from environmental damage while allowing optimal light penetration.

5. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein the artificial leaves are mounted on adjustable structures to optimize their angle for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.

6. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, further comprising an energy storage unit to store the electrical energy generated by the artificial leaves.

7. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein oxygen released during the photosynthetic process is collected in chambers for secondary applications such as medical or industrial use.

8. An artificial leaf for photovoltaic energy generation, comprising:
(a) A gel-based composition including chlorophyll extracted from plants, wheat starch, corn starch, diluted acetic acid, and glycerin;
(b) A structure mimicking photosynthesis to absorb sunlight and release electrons;
(c) Embedded conductive pathways for collecting and channeling electrons to generate electrical energy; and
(d) A thin, flexible design to maximize light absorption and adaptability in various configurations.

9. The artificial leaf of claim 8, wherein the chlorophyll composition is formulated to resist degradation under prolonged sunlight exposure.

10. The artificial leaf of claim 8, wherein the leaf is designed for integration with modular systems, allowing scalability for small or large photovoltaic installations.

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