Photech: A exploration in Sustainability

Energy is all around us and can be harnessed from many different areas. For society to move forward we have to start looking at different methods of gaining energy. Project Bark is such an example. This live weather and fire detection device runs of photosynthetic energy that is harnessed from the tree.

In the Western Cape wildfires is a growing case of worry. A large part is the problem is due to geographical conditions of certain areas. Surveillance of large stretches of mountainous land is very resource heavy. Project Bark is a cheap to manufacture and easy to repair or replace due to its simple yet effective design. 

The shells are made from a hemp-based plastic that is biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment in which it lives. The textured finish allows sun rays to be dispersed instead of reflected further reducing erosion rate and effect on local wildlife.

Electrons  is a by-product as photosynthesis takes place. It would seep into the soil and and go to waste. By using a zinc anode and a copper cathode the electrons can be harvested from the tree as it runs towards the roots.

This energy is then gathered by a trickle charger and is used to power a low power usage GPS module and premature sensor. It can then give a server hourly updates but if there is dramatic spikes in temperature it will send out distress beacon to emergency services.

Project Bark can be linked up individually or for more effecctive results of a larger area can be linked up on the same server. This then allows for temperature tracking of a much larger area. In case of a fire it can then be used to see where and in which direction the fire is going. 

Emergency services can then track the fire's much more effectively.