SOLAR TREE
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Now a days with the growing population and energy demand we should take a renewable option of
energy source and also we should keep in mind that energy should not cause pollution and other natural
hazards. In this case the solar energy is the best option for us. India is a highly populated country, so we
should take the advantage of such an energy which requires a very less space to produce energy
efficiently. In this case solar tree could be the best one for us. We can also use the technique called
"SPIRALLING PHYLLATAXY" to improve the efficiency of the plant.
A solar tree is a decorative means of producing solar energy and also electricity. It uses multiple no
of solar panels which forms the shape of a tree. The panels are arranged in a tree fashion in a tall
tower/pole.
TREE stands for
T= TREE GENERATING
R=RENEWABLE
E=ENERGY and
E=ELECTRICITY
This is like a tree in structure and the panels are like leaves of the tree which produces energy.
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Fig 1.1:solar tree
1.1 OVERVIEW
Solar trees are a decorative (or antiquated) means for producing renewable electricity; most often,
solar trees embody a steel structure. The modules are arranged in layers or in symmetrical or random
shapes to absorb the enormous amount of solar PV energy to generate electricity. Given that PV
modules are set at different angles, a solar PV tree can capture sunlight throughout the day regardless of
the sun’s position. One of the most important components of solar tree is to enhance the total surface area
of sunlight absorption through a three-dimensional (3D) structure compared with the traditional PV units
of solar cells.
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1.2 CONCEPT OF SOLAR TREE
The concept of “solar PV tree” is an advanced blend of modern technology
and art to form a solar PV sculpture. This idea uses solar energy and adds
aesthetics to cities with an environmentally friendly technological nature. Sheds
under solar trees can be used as public seats in gardens and parks or as good
areas to benefit from agriculture. Many types of solar tree are designed based on
optimal energy feasibility. Tree stands for tree generating renewable energy and
electricity.
The final initiation of the idea of solar trees boosts the public understanding
of solar PV technology by making it aesthetically appealing. The goals of the
concept of a solar tree are:
· Increase the awareness of civilians in the use of renewable energy and solar energy;
· Increase the number of trees in residential cities, which affects civilians’ comfort;
· Increase the efficiency of solar modules as possible;
· Add aesthetics to municipalities to build environmentally friendly forms;
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· Create a new structure for the surrounding fences for service and entertainment projects, such as
parks and gardens.
1.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Solar Tree project is to design and implement an innovative solar energy
harvesting system that mimics the structure of a tree to maximize solar energy capture and provide
sustainable power generation. The project aims to achieve the following objectives:
· Energy Harvesting Efficiency: Develop a solar tree structure that optimizes the
placement and orientation of solar panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day.
This includes considering factors such as the angle of inclination, shading, and spacing
between panels to enhance energy harvesting efficiency.
· Modularity and Scalability: Design the solar tree system with a modular architecture
that allows for scalability and flexibility in deployment. The system should be easily
expandable to accommodate varying energy requirements and spatial constraints in
different environments.
· Aesthetics and Integration: Incorporate aesthetic design elements into the solar tree
structure to enhance its visual appeal and seamlessly integrate it into urban and natural
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landscapes. The design should consider factors such as form, color, and materials to
complement surrounding environments.
· Energy Storage and Distribution: Implement energy storage and distribution
mechanisms within the solar tree system to store excess energy generated during peak
sunlight hours and distribute it efficiently for use during periods of low sunlight or high
energy demand.
· Monitoring and Control: Develop monitoring and control systems to track the
performance of individual solar panels, monitor energy production, and optimize energy
harvesting based on environmental conditions and user requirements. This may involve the
use of sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and data analytics algorithms.
· Environmental Impact: Assess the environmental impact of the solar tree project,
including factors such as carbon footprint, land use, and ecosystem impact. Implement
sustainable design practices to minimize environmental harm and promote biodiversity
conservation.
· Educational and Outreach Initiatives: Engage in educational and outreach initiatives
to raise awareness about solar energy, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable
practices. This may involve organizing workshops, seminars, and community events to
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promote public understanding and adoption of solar energy solutions.
1.4 TYPES OF SOLAR TREE
The types of designed trees are displayed spiraling phyllotaxy solar tree (SPST), Fibonacci pattern
solar tree (FPST), single trunk with branches, and three-axis symmetric design. Modules on a natural tree
are typical shapes, structures, and patterns of solar trees.
Researchers and designers have struggled to obtain beautiful engineering art forms since 1997, and
the technology is promising. Some companies produce various types of solar tree, which prove that solar
trees have a commercial market in various parts of the world. Most of the trees mentioned in the research
and markets are included in this study.
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1.4.1. Multi-branch single stem (MBSS)
Fig 1.4.1 shows a simple structure consisting of a long column; this column looks like a tree stem
and branches emerging at different heights, carrying solar modules at different surface angles and
orientations according to the areas in which these trees are applied. MBSS is characterized by the design
simplicity that is easy to develop, but it is considered one of the least efficient designs in capturing solar
radiation throughout the daytime due to the orientation of the solar module with different lengths of tree
branches.
Fig. 1.4.1. MBSS used for powering fuel station (Budapest, Hungary).
1.4.2. Fibonacci pattern solar tree (FPST)
Fig.1.4.2 shows the most popular solar tree nowadays, which captures sunlight with relatively high
efficiency. This pattern helps direct the tree’s leaves toward the sun to ensure that the most energy is
absorbed. One of this tree’s essential features is that it is borrowed from nature, as some likened it to an
oak tree. It is considered a source of energy with a relatively constant amount. One of this tree’s
determinants is the expensive seat structure that cannot be invested in large energy projects. FPST
produces more energy compared with traditional PV modules. In comparison to traditional solar panels,
the 3/8 phyllotaxy-based solar tree provides 54% (approximate) more efficiency and 43% (approximate)
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more efficiency than the 2/5 phyllotaxy-based solar tree.
Fig. 1.4.2. FPST for low-scale electricity generation, (a) in India, (b) in USA.
1.4.3. Spiraling phyllotaxy solar tree (SPST)
Innovative from natural plants is the most widespread and forms a large complex umbrella, which
helps them capture sunlight in an extensive and highly efficient manner. The productivity of these solar
trees is high and closely mimics nature. As shown in Fig. 1.4.3, (SPST) is one of the trees that consumes
considerable space for its leaves, is extremely expensive due to its iron structure, and is challenging to
manufacture.
Fig. 1.4.3. SPST in Millennium square (Bristol, England).
1.4.4. Hemispherical dome solar tree (HDST)
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One distinctive design covers daylight hour to capture the sun’s rays with the best efficiency. It
consists of modules that form a semi-spherical dome, as shown in fig 1.4.4. It is directed toward the sun
to cover the sun path from morning to evening.
Fig. 1.4.4. HDST configuration , (a) Tree shape, (b) Simulated shape.
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1.4.5. Three-dimensional geometric design (TDGD)
The type of design consists of a leg, as shown in fig. 1.4.5. At the top of the summit, a solar panel is
directed at a certain angle. Solar modules are distributed on the branches symmetrically and on both sides
within specific inclination angles to enhance the capture of sunlight. It consists of three axes to form a 3D
body, hence its name. It also takes less space for its papers. Its cost is relatively lower due to
the ergonomic and minimalist design inside.
Fig.1.4.5. Photo of TDGD.
1.4.6 Ross Lovegrove solar tree (RLST)
RLST comprises beautiful architectural designs or industrial art consisting of PV with curves in
circular groups, which capture sunlight and have a height of 5.5 m, 40-mm grass stems, 1 LED with
approximately 1 W and protected by a diffuser screen, and 10 poles (76 mm in diameter) that support the
body heads fig.1.4.6. The 10 headers, which include the PV cells at the top and support poles with a
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diameter of 76 mm. RLST also has 20 energy LED lights powered by 500 mA and have a neutral white
temperature, and at the bottom of the 4 of them is an aluminium spoiler.
Fig. 1.4.6. Photo of RLST (Milan).
1.4.7. Simple solar tree
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This type of solar tree is one of the most widespread types. It is similar to solar module surface
systems, except that these modules are installed on steel structures and at an appropriate height and a
suitable slope to capture sunlight more efficiently, as shown in fig. 1.4.7.
It is considered one of the most effortless engineering designs. It is always inhomogeneous,
symmetrical, and perpendicular to sunlight to ensure that an enormous amount of energy is absorbed.
Fig. 1.4.7. Simple solar tree (Aurangabad, India).
The world’s largest solar tree is shown in fig. 1.4.8. It was built in India and produces roughly
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11,500 W of electricity and developed by the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute in
2020; it has 35 solar PV modules with 330 W for each module.
Fig. 1.4.8. Largest solar tree installed in the world (India).
1.4.8. Super trees
The gardening project in Gardens by the Bay looks like something out of science fiction or an
image of future cities. Nevertheless, it is an actual Singapore landscaping project, with tree heights
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ranging from 25 m to 50 m, as shown in fig. 1.4.9. The value of this sophisticated horticultural project is
approximately US $1 billion. Engineers have created ultra-modern designs that mimic actual tree
structures and ecological functions through their environmentally friendly features. PV technology has
been incorporated into its illusions to capture sunlight to produce electrical energy while illuminating at
night. This project includes 18 gigantic trees that serve as vertical gardens, 11 of which have been
integrated with PV cells to generate electrical energy; thus, it forms an industrial mechanical forest that
represents a distinct tourist destination that displays natural plants in addition to environmentally friendly
industrial plants. The tree consists of a steel trunk fixed with reinforced concrete on the ground. The
planting modules are installed along the trunk for planting plants, and vertical gardens are formed; the end
of the trunk is in the form of an upside downslope, which is 50 m high.
1.4.9. Smart palm tree
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Fig
The new city-sponsored convenience for visitors and beachgoers is a 6-m-tall solar-powered towers
shaped like a palm tree. It will be a unique structure made with 3D printing technology fig. 1.4.10, and it
will be the largest of its type outdoors. Smart palms are powered by monocrystalline solar modules that
provide up to 21% efficiency and generate sufficient power for daytime and nighttime functionality.
Smart palms are designed to serve as a functional public art that complements Dubai’s iconic architecture
and scenic beaches.
Fig. 1.4.10. Layout of smart palm tree (Dubai, UAE).
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1.4.10. Three PV design (TPVD)
Fig. 1.4.11 shows that 3D shapes have proven higher efficiency than the average modules in
Fig. 1.4.11. Three samples of TPVD, (a) Single cube, (b) Double cube, (c) Three-dimensional
body.
harvesting sunlight and generating electricity significantly during the summer. These ratios may be higher
in the winter season. This type provides large land areas, which is a valuable feature in cities.
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1.5 TRADITIONAL PV AND SOLAR TREE
Differences exist between traditional PV systems and solar trees, such as the land needed for
installation and system cost. The comparison below (table 1) clarifies the primary differences between the
two types to familiarize the readers with the requirements for each type and the type of application that
can be used more.
Table 1 . Comparison between traditional PV and solar tree systems.
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Parameter Traditional PV Solar tree
Power produced Diversification of Less power per tree up to 11.5 kW
the productive
capacity
from small to large
stations up to 2
MW
PV system cost Simple structure Generally, more costly but it depends on
design and the complex 3D design and the
relatively application
low cost
Land footprint Large land footprint Less footprint, due to the tree containing
in general, and many layers of PV modules on a single
it depends on PV stem, the footprint factor is up to
system size, the 11 500 W/m2
footprint factor is
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Parameter Traditional PV Solar tree
up to 700 W/m2
Shading Less shading effect More shading effect because of many PV
layers and random orientation of modules
Amount of sunlight Less due to its More as modules are arranged on many
captured per square extensive array layers, which takes less area
meter of soil area design consuming
more area
Applications Mainly for Many applications, such as integrating art
generating with technology
electricity
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Parameter Traditional PV Solar tree
Suitable angles of More efficient than More efficient at higher angles of
incidence the tree at low incidence (40°–80°)
angles of incidence
(0°–20°)
Capture during peak High as modules Modules are angled in different
sunshine hours are oriented to face directions, and not all modules face the
the sun directly during peak sunlight hours;
sun directly during thus, the energy generated is relatively
peak sunshine hours low
Art and appearance Lack of art and Pleasing aesthetic appearance
aesthetics
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
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CHAPTER 3
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
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Below figure 3.1 depicts the components and overall arrangement of a solar
tree. Solar trees are solar-powered structures that mimic the appearance of a
real tree. The state-of-the-art consists of a steel frame with solar modules
installed on top to capture sunlight and turn it into usable electricity. Solar trees
are used to charge cell phones, computers, small appliances, and street lights
attached or built into the structure. They are intended to solve the large land
requirements of solar modules, raise public consciousness about green and clean
energies, and improve the performance of solar modules in urban areas.
Fig 3. Layout of hybrid solar tree.
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3.1. PV modules
Solar modules are an essential part of solar trees because they convert solar energy into electric
Fig. 3.1.1. Work mechanism of PVs.
current energy. PV cells are energy-harvesting technologies that transform solar power through PV
effects into convenient energy. These solar cells consist of two distinct types of semiconductors, as shown
in fig. 3.1.1.
Solar cell has many types, and each type has its advantages, efficiency, cost, and applications. The
overall performance of silicon solar cells for domestic and industrial use is 92% for total worldwide
silicon solar modules. The efficiency of flexible modules can reach 24%.
“Vertically integrated”, solar panel producers are well known; it implies that one business supplies
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Fig. 3.1.2. Main components of a solar module.
and manufactures all the essential elements, including silicone ingots, and wafers for solar cells.
However, numerous panel makers assemble solar panels, including cells, polymer back sheets, and EVA
enclosures, by utilizing external sources. These producers can choose the components but cannot always
control product quality. Thus, they should make sure that they choose the best possible
suppliers. Fig.3.1.2 shows the six primary components of a solar module.
3.2. Batteries
Batteries are one of the most costly elements, and an essential part of solar energy systems. They
are among the oldest technologies that have accompanied the discovery of electricity and continue to
develop in terms of materials used in their manufacture, shape, design, and amount of energy capable of
storing it. Deep-cycle batteries have been used for green and clean energy applications worldwide for
decades. The back-to-the-box acid, lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery, and nickel–cadmium
batteries are some of the most commonly used batteries in PV applications. Lithium-ion batteries are
comparable with energy storage costs.
3.3. Inverters
Smart inverters are power electronic instruments with advanced features in external software that
control the inverter’s behaviour as connected to the grid. Inverters aim to convert the DC voltage
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produced by the
solar modules into the AC voltage’s grid frequency. The most critical aspect of an inverter is its
conversion quality. Current devices can run via an inverter with a performance of about 98%. Other
essential activities of the inverter are power optimization (i.e., maximum power point tracking (MPPT)),
control of the PV plant’s energy yield, and protection of the plant by disconnecting it from the grid in the
event of faults. Each panel receives a different irradiance in a solar tree to have different I-V and PV
curves. Thus, the voltage fixed by the inverter will result in significant conversion losses. A battery can
store energy and provide constant power to an inverter to prevent this problem.
3.4 Cables and connections
Atmospheric conditions such as precipitation, snow formation, solar irradiation, and high
temperatures are subject to PV modules. Cables of outstanding mechanical strength are necessary to
provide stable connections between the modules for use in environments with high mechanical stress, dry
and wet weather, elevated temperature conditions, and high solar insolation. Losses due to connections
and cables in small solar PV systems can be represented by 1%.
3.5. Frame structure
The metal structure is subject to the innovator, how it can branch or what height it reaches, and the
trees’ dimensions. All these details are subject to the innovator of the solar tree. Solar trees differ from
one design to another and according to the applications. The external structure must be strong enough to
preserve the tree at different weather conditions such as the case of wind load, which plays a vital role in
the design calculations of the tree structure. In this regard, solar trees may overturn in high winds due to
great strength on the tree, not to mention that the aesthetics of the external structure should not be ignored.
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The type of
metal structure is one of the costly parts. Studies have used reinforced plastic to reduce the costs of
constructing the solar tree structure. The design is optimized to minimize the weight and maximize
the power generation on different components of the solar tree (i.e., trunk, base plates, middle flats,
stalks, and gussets). The body weight significantly lowers by 40% by applying tree structure
optimization. By leveraging genetic algorithms, a 20% structural mass reduction is achieved in a confined
space.
