The natural environment has always been a source of inspiration for the research community, which is why a team from CSIC and BCMaterials has just flow battery with root, stem and leavesdeeply nature inspiredHe mimics the transport of fluids in plants to generate electrical energy.
this FLOWER battery eco-designed to fit a life cycle for precision farming practices. The paper-based fluid system relies on evaporation as the main pumping force to push the reactants through a pair of porous carbon electrodes where evaporation takes place. electrochemical reaction.
It consists of two inlet channels that act as roots, through which the device is supplied with already dissolved redox species, just as plants take in water and nutrients from their environment.
The main laminated paper core, resembling a plant stem, contains two porous carbon electrodes connected by a U-shaped paper. salt bridgenecessary components to form a membraneless microfluidic galvanic cell.
The core ends with two outlet channels that carry the liquid to the top of the device. Finally, a circular sheet-shaped absorbent pad exposed to the atmosphere continues to absorb the solution by sweating from the core.
currently in use Technological solutions to address the challenges of digitalized societies and ensure a resilient food system. At the same time, waste electrical and electronic equipment is now the fastest growing waste stream worldwide, accumulating in landfills and posing significant risks to the environment and human health.
Solutions with no environmental impact
In this context, the FlowER battery aims to show that it is possible to redefine technological priorities. for place sustainability as a central prioritycan be created viable and efficient solutions while having a neutral or positive environmental impact.
Specifically designed and eco-design FlowER battery to follow the life cycle of agricultural procedures mimics the fluid transport mechanisms of plants to passively move reagents through a paper-based fluid structure.
This factory-inspired operating principle allows the creation of a flow configuration cell for energy harvesting. Due to the sweating phenomenon, the colaminar flow is maintained and the reagents are cooled at the electrode surface.
Then, No need for an external pump and the operating time limitations of capillary-based flow cells are overcome.
The parameters affecting the evaporation flow and the performance of the battery were examined, which is a up to four days of energy autonomy with the current configuration.
In conclusion, the results obtained in germination and aerobic biodegradation tests show that, the exhausted FlowER battery can be safely disposed of or composted as agricultural wastesimilar to how a plant returns to nature at the end of its life cycle.
Experts ensure that the commitment to precision agriculture, which manages fertilizers and water down to the millimeter, is met. inalienable. And this battery was specially designed for him. The necessity is necessary because thousands of hectares, jobs and turnover of more than one billion Euros per year are at stake.
A new agricultural revolution
To date, the aim of agricultural activity is, Economic performancebut now it takes on special significance environmental element. The fact is that every year 10,000 cubic meters of water remain in Spain, but the lack of political will to solve the problem of distribution – interconnection of basins – forces the meninges to tighten, according to experts.
They say it’s necessary facing a new industrial revolution for agriculture for example, similar to what happened with the incorporation of drip irrigation in the 1980s. Especially when the future of water transfers in Spain becomes increasingly complex due to the climate crisis that will reduce precipitation.
A pilot experience of remote monitoring of soil moisture is being carried out in the Community of Valencia. In Valencia’s El Marquesat subregion, a Project to improve the management of an area of approximately 2,000 hectares with pre-existing local irrigation.
With an agreement between twelve communities on irrigation and the establishment of a network of 26 capacitive-type multi-sensor probes, monitoring and correcting the water status of the soil caused by rain and irrigation and finally, adjust the water application according to the actual demand of the crops.
The results of the first three irrigation campaigns, Significant reduction in water consumption in managed communities based on data from capacitive probeswithout ostensibly creating reductions in production or harvest quality.
Reference report: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/ee/d2ee00597b