http://current.com/1fff64c
August 26th, 2009
A
Way to Harvest Electricity from Trees
One freezing day in February 2006, physicist Andreas Mershin huddled
with others around a tree on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
campus to watch an unlikely demonstration. An engineering company
claimed it could produce electricity simply by wiring a nail in the
trees trunk to a metal rod in the ground. Sure enough, the demo
workedbut nobody knew exactly why.
Two years later, Mershin and MIT undergraduate Christopher Love have
not only figured out the source of the trees electricity, theyve joined
a new companyVoltree Powerthat wants to use that energy to power
wireless networks of environmental sensors.
As reported in PLoS ONE, the electricity stems from an acidity
difference between trees and soil. The area that is more acidic
contains a higher concentration of positively charged hydrogen ions.
Those ions attract electrons, generating a tiny current that travels
between the tree and the ground.
Using a device that extends probes underground, Voltrees invention
harvests the energy and uses it to continuously recharge a battery,
which in turn powers radio-equipped sensors. Voltree is now working to
assemble a wildfire alert network that can feed sensor data to a
central location. The devices could also monitor climate conditions or
even detect illegal radioactive materials at the border.
While other monitoring tools have been hampered by the need for costly
solar panels or frequent battery replacements, tree-powered sensors
could be deployed over vast areas with little maintenance. And not to
worry, Mershin says: the amount of energy harvested is so tiny that the
trees wont feel a thing.?
http://voltreepower.com/bioHarvester.html
Contact Information
Voltree Power
100 Energy Drive
Canton, MA 02021
Tel.: +1 (781) 828-8733
Fax: +1 (781) 821-2111
E-Mail: admin@voltreepower.com
Internet: www.voltreepower.com
Mailing Address
Voltree Power
P.O. Box 477
Canton, MA 02021
Bioenergy
Harvester
Voltree Power’s patented bioenergy harvester converts living plant
metabolic energy to useable electricity, providing a unique battery
replacement alternative. When coupled with our software and low-power
transceiver hardware, this technology makes practical the deployment of
large-scale, long-term sensor networks in a variety of previously
inaccessible environments, such as under triple-canopy or in hostile
terrain. Voltree Power’s bioenergy harvester can be used with
temperature and humidity sensors as shown below, or with a wide variety
of other sensors.
Benefits of this technology include:
* Enables the use of mesh sensor technology where it
would otherwise be difficult to install power devices or hard-to-reach
sensor devices for maintenance.
* Eliminates the cost of (hundreds) of thousands of
batteries, labor costs associated with battery replacement/maintenance,
along with environmental and labor costs of responsible battery
disposition/recycling.
* Does not depend on wind, light, heat gradients, or
mechanical movement.
* Weather-resistant and completely quiet.
* Absence of any heat or noise signatures, making it
ideal for various covert, security-sensitive sensing applications.
* Environmentally benign to produce and operate.
* Parasitically harvests metabolic energy from any
large plant without harming it.
* Useful lifetime of the device is only limited by
the lifetime of the host.
POWER
FROM A NON-ANIMAL ORGANISM
US Patent Appln 2007279014
BACKGROUND
[0002] Since the late-nineteenth century the use of, and uses for,
electricity has increased tremendously, becoming a fundamental part of
everyday life for most people. One only has to look at remote parts of
the world to see how drastically different life is without electricity.
Most electric devices in use today typically draw between a few
milliwatts to several megawatts of power, depending on the application.
Higher costs for the fuels needed to generate electricity, and a higher
electrical demand in general, however, have led to increased
electricity costs, thereby increasing the attractiveness of alternative
power sources.
[0003] One typical use of electricity is a light emitting diode (LED).
LEDs have seen increasing popularity in recent times due to a lower per
unit cost and a greater number of available colors. LEDs are more
energy efficient (i.e., less power is consumed) and generally have a
much longer life expectancy than conventional filament-based light
bulbs. In general, LEDs draw approximately 20 mA at 2V (i.e., 40 mW)
when illuminated, which is far less than conventional light bulbs.
[0004] Distribution of electricity from a generation plant to the
end-user is not a trivial problem. Thousands of miles of wires and
cables creating a transmission network are involved in delivering power
to consumers. The transmission network adds costs such as material
costs and the cost of lost energy due to the resistance of the
transmission wires. For the average consumer of electricity, the
transmission costs generally equal the cost of the electricity itself.
Furthermore, portions of the world have no electricity because it is
simply too far from the nearest transmission line or the terrain itself
prohibits installation of transmission lines.
SUMMARY
[0005] A method for drawing electricity from a non-animal organism, the
method including coupling a first electrical conductor to the
non-animal organism, coupling a second electrical conductor to a ground
rod, embedding the ground rod into soil at a predetermined depth as a
function of a desired current level, whereby the current available from
the non-animal organism is increased by increasing the depth that the
ground rod is embedded into the soil, coupling an electrical load
between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical
conductor, the electrical load being configured to draw electricity
from the non-animal organism via the first electrical conductor, and
operating the electrical load using electricity drawn from the
non-animal organism.
[0006] In general, in another aspect, the invention provides a system
including a non-animal organism, a first electrical conductor
electrically coupled to the non-animal organism, a plurality of ground
rods embedded into soil wherein a quantity of the plurality of ground
rods is a function of a desired current level from the non-animal
organism, whereby the current available from the non-animal organism is
increased by increasing the quantity of the plurality of ground rods, a
second electrical conductor coupled to the plurality of ground rods,
and an electrical load coupled between the first electrical conductor
and the second electrical conductor to draw electricity from the
non-animal organism, the electrical load using electricity drawn from
the non-animal organism.
[0007] In general, in another aspect, the invention provides a method
of predicting weather using electricity from a non-animal organism, the
method including coupling a first electrical conductor to the
non-animal organism, coupling a second electrical conductor to a
ground, coupling a voltmeter between the first electrical conductor and
the second electrical conductor, measuring a voltage potential between
the first and second electrical connectors, providing a weather
prediction as a function of the measured voltage potential.
[0008] Implementations of the invention may further include the
following features. The method of predicting weather including
determining a baseline voltage reading for the non-animal organism
under a first weather condition, determining a plurality of voltage
readings over time, comparing each of the plurality of voltage readings
to the baseline voltage reading to determine differences between the
baseline voltage reading and each of the plurality of voltage readings,
and calculating information indicative of a second, future weather
condition as a function of the differences.
[0009] In general, in another aspect, the invention provides a system
for use with live vegetative matter growing in soil, the system
including a non-animal organism, a first electrical conductor
electrically coupled to the non-animal organism, and a second
electrical conductor coupled to the first electrical conductor and
coupled to the live vegetative matter, the second electrical conductor
providing electricity from the non-animal organism to the live
vegetative matter, wherein the growth of the live vegetative matter is
stimulated by the electricity provided by the non-animal organism.
[0010] In general, in another aspect, the invention provides a system
including a non-animal organism, a first electrical conductor
electrically coupled to the non-animal organism, a second electrical
conductor coupled to a ground, and an electrical load coupled between
the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor to
draw electricity from the non-animal organism, the electrical load
using electricity drawn from the non-animal organism, wherein the load
is one of a battery, a battery charging circuit, a sensor, a radio
frequency identification chip, a transmitter, a receiver, a global
positioning service (GPS) device, a light emitting device, and a fire
ignition system.
[0011] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the
following features. The load is the sensor and the sensor is one of an
oxygen sensor, an air-speed sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometric
pressure sensor, a camera, a photoelectric sensor, an altitude sensor,
a smoke detector, a microphone, and a vibration sensor. The load is the
GPS device and the GPS device is one of a GPS receiver, a GPS
transmitter, a GPS guidance system, and a GPS navigation system. The
load is the light emitting device and the light emitting device is one
of a light emitting diode configured to emit visible light, and an
infrared light emitting diode configured to emit an infrared signal.
[0012] Various aspects of the invention may provide one or more of the
following capabilities. A non-animal organism, such as a member of the
plant and/or fungi kingdom, may supply electricity to a load.
Electricity may be available in remote areas without an electricity
transmission network. Alternative "clean" electricity can be produced.
An LED may be powered from a non-animal organism. Infra-red LEDs used
in military operations may be powered. A traffic light may be powered
from a non-animal organism. A security light may be powered from a
non-animal organism. Dependence on fossil fuels to generate electricity
may be reduced. Lighting may be provided at campgrounds and/or ski
areas using power provided from non-animal organisms. Power derived
from non-animal organisms may be used to recharge batteries in hybrid
vehicles. Advance storm warning can be obtained by measuring the
voltage provided by the non-animal organism.
[0013] These and other capabilities of the invention, along with the
invention itself, will be more fully understood after a review of the
following figures, detailed description, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a diagram of an apparatus
for drawing power from a tree.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a charging
circuit used to provide power derived from a tree to a load.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for
deriving power from a tree using the charging circuit shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a
filtered charging circuit used in providing electricity from a tree to
a load, including the charging circuit of FIG. 2 and a filter.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process of
deriving power from a tree using the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a
filtered charging circuit used in providing electricity from a tree to
a load and including a battery.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process of
deriving power from a tree using the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process of
determining storm distance and/or severity using voltage measurements
taken from a tree.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for drawing
electricity from non-animal organisms such as members of the plant
and/or fungi kingdom, and providing the electricity to a load.
Non-animal, non-mammal organisms such as spermatophytes, pteridophytes,
succulents, Marattiales ferns, Ophioglossales ferns, Leptosporangiate
ferns, Mycophycota fungi, Zygomycota fungi, Basidiomycota fungi, and
Ascomycota fungi may be used. Specifically, electricity can be drawn
from vegetative matter such as a living tree. The amount of available
electricity has been found to depend on the location and type of
non-animal organism, and to be approximately 0.5-2 volts DC, plus some
AC current. For example, an apparatus for using this energy includes a
conductor inserted into a tree and connected to a positive terminal of
a load. A negative conductor of the load is connected to a grounded
conductor, thereby completing a circuit. Other circuitry, such as
charging circuits and/or voltage step-up circuits, may also be used.
Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 1 for deriving electricity
from a tree 25 includes a tap 5, a conductor 10, wires 15, 20, and 25,
a circuit 30, and a load 35. The tap 5 is configured to attach to, and
to conduct current flow from, the tree 25. For example, the tap 5 may
be configured to be inserted into the tree 25, although other
configurations are possible (e.g., a non-invasive transformer core that
surrounds the circumference of the tree 25). The wire 15 is
electrically coupled to the tap 5 and the circuit 30. The wire 20 is
electrically coupled to the circuit 30 and the load 35. The wire 25 is
electrically coupled to the load 35 and the conductor 10. The conductor
10 is electrically conductive and is configured to be inserted
approximately two feet into the ground while protruding above the
ground, although the conductor 10 may be configured to be inserted to
other depths. By increasing the depth that the conductor 10 is inserted
into the ground and/or using multiple conductors 10, the load 35 can
draw more current from the tree 25. The conductor 10 is preferably a
tinned copper rod. Other materials and/or configurations of the
conductor 10 are possible. For example the conductor 10 may be aluminum
and/or connected to a "ground" connection of a typical household
electrical system. The circuit 30 is electrically conductive and is
configured to filter the power provided by the tree, to step-up (or
step-down) the voltage supplied by the tree 25, and/or to store the
power provided by the tree 25. The circuit 30 may perform functions
other than those listed above. Also, embodiments of the apparatus 1
without the circuit 30 are possible (e.g., connecting a load directly
between the tree 25 and the conductor 10).
[0024] The load 35 can be any of a number of different devices used for
a variety of purposes. For example, the load 35 can include a lithium
battery that is charged by the tree 25, a sensor (e.g., capable of
sensing temperature, air speed, humidity, barometric pressure, video,
audio, light, vibration, altitude, oxygen levels), a remote sensor
(e.g., over a LAN, WAN, the Internet, WiFi), a radio frequency
identification (RFID) chip, a transmitter, and/or a receiver. The load
35 can be a device for use with a global positioning system (GPS) such
as a GPS receiver, a GPS transmitter, a GPS guidance system, and/or a
GPS navigation system. The load 35 can include a fire and/or smoke
detection system, a system configured to charge a battery powered
device (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a portable GPS system,
a flashlight, a radio), a lighting system (e.g., for recreational use,
for military use)(including, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes
(LEDs) such as infrared LEDs), a fire ignition system (e.g., for
campground use), a weather detection and/or monitoring system, an
emergency alert/assistance beacon, a solar lighting backup system,
and/or a wireless transmission system for use with a computer. The load
35 can include a plant (e.g., as described below in Experiment 4).
[0025] Various embodiments of the tap 5 are possible. Preferably, the
tap 5 is a stainless steel rod, e.g., a nail, having an outside
diameter of about 0.125 inches, but other materials and sizes are
possible. For example, brass plated or aluminum rods having an outside
diameter of about 0.06 inches may be used. The tap 5 is electrically
conductive material and is preferably of a material (e.g., stainless
steel) that has a relatively high corrosion resistance, thus inhibiting
increased resistance caused by corrosion. For extended use, the tap 5
is preferably not copper (at least on its exterior) as this can
negatively affect (e.g., kill) many types of trees. The tap 5 is
preferably configured to be inserted between about 0.375 inches and
about 0.75 inches into the tree 25, although other depths are possible.
In trees with thick bark, the tap 5 may be inserted further into the
tree 25. For example, if a tree has bark 1 inch thick, the tap 5 may be
inserted about 1.5 inches into the tree 25. The tap 5 is preferably
inserted into the tree 25 between about one and about six feet above
ground level, although other heights may be used. While the apparatus 1
includes the one tap 5, multiple taps may be used. Using multiple taps
in a single tree has been found to increase the amount of current
available from the tree. The taps may all be the same, or one or more
taps may be different (e.g., a different material, configured for
different insertion depth, etc.) than another tap.
[0026] Referring also to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment 40 of the
apparatus 1 including an LED load 115, and an exemplary circuit 30 that
is a charging circuit 50, which includes switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,
80, and 85, and capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. The switches 55, 60,
65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches.
The switch 55 includes selective connections 56 and 57. The switch 57
is connected on one side to the switch 56 and the capacitor 90 and on
its other side to an output 125 configured to be connected to the load
115. The switch 60 also includes selective connections 61 and 62. When
the switches 55 and 60 are in a first state, the connections 56 and 61
are closed and the connections 57 and 62 are open, thereby coupling the
capacitor 90 between a power source 110 (here, a tree) and a ground
120. When the switches 55 and 60 are in a second state, the connections
56 and 61 are open, and the connections 57 and 62 are closed, thereby
coupling the capacitor 90 between the load LED 115, and the switch 65.
Each of the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 are coupled to the tree 110 via
the tap 107. The switches 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 operate as described
with respect to the switches 55 and 60.
[0027] The capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are coupled to the switches
55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 such that when the switches 55, 60, 65,
70, 75, 80, and 85 are in a first state, the circuit 50 is in a
charging state and each of the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are
coupled between the power source 110 and the ground 120. When the
switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are in the first state the
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 accumulate an electrical charge. The
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are further coupled to the switches 55,
60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 such that when the switches 55, 60, 65, 70,
75, 80, and 85 are in a second state, the circuit 50 is in a
discharging state and the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are coupled
in series between the ground 120 and a load 115 thus providing power to
the load 115. The voltage provided to the load 115 is substantially
equal to the sum of the voltages across each of the capacitors 90, 95,
100 and 105. The capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are preferably about
10,000 [mu]F, but other capacitances are possible. While an LED is
shown as the load 115, other loads may be used.
[0028] While the charging circuit 50 is shown coupled to a single tree
(i.e., the tree 110), other configurations are possible. For example,
each of the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 may be connected to separate
trees. The switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 could each be connected to
multiple trees (or other non-animal organisms). One or more of the
switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 could each be connected to a single tree
with multiple taps 107. One of the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 could be
connected to a single tree with a single tap, with the remainder of the
switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 being connected to multiple trees, each
with multiple taps. One of the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 could be
connected to a single tree with multiple taps, with the remainder of
the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 being coupled to a single tree with
multiple taps. Each of the switches 55, 65, 75, and 85 may be coupled
to a single tree or multiple trees using more than one of the tap 107.
[0029] In operation, referring to FIG. 3, with further reference to
FIG. 2, a process 260 for providing power derived from a tree to a load
using the apparatus 40 includes the stages shown. The process 260,
however, is exemplary only and not limiting. The process 260 may be
altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed, or rearranged.
[0030] At stage 264, the charging circuit 50 is coupled to the living
non-animal organism power source 110, such as a tree, a plant, etc.
Preferably, the tap 107 is inserted into the power source 110. The tap
107 is inserted approximately 0.375 inches to 0.75 inches into the
tree. Alternatively, a non-invasive tap may be used, e.g., a
transformer core can be placed around a circumference of the tree.
[0031] At stage 268, the charging circuit 50 is grounded. Preferably,
the charging circuit 50 is coupled to a ground rod, or other suitable
electrical ground, such as a ground connection in a typical residential
power system. More current may be drawn from the living non-animal
organism by the load 115 by increasing the depth that the ground rod is
inserted into the ground and/or using multiple ground rods.
[0032] At stage 272, the load 115 is coupled between the charging
circuit 50 and the ground 120. The load 115 is coupled on one side to
the output 125 of the charging circuit 50 and on its other side to the
ground 120.
[0033] At stage 276, the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are
actuated into the first (charging) state. The connections 56 and 61 of
the switches 55 and 60 are closed, the connections 57 and 62 of the
switches 55 and 60 are opened, and likewise for the switches 65, 70,
75, 80, and 85. This couples the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 to the
taps 107.
[0034] At stage 280, the power is provided from the tree 110 to the
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. The capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105
store energy received from the taps 107.
[0035] At stage 284, the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are allowed to
charge. The amount of time the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are
charged may vary to suit a specific application. For example, to
provide sufficient power to illuminate the LED, each of the capacitors
90, 95, 100, and 105 is charged to 0.5 Vdc. The amount of time for the
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 to reach 0.5 Vdc may vary depending on
the amount of power supplied by a particular power source.
[0036] At stage 288, the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are
changed from the first state to the second state to discharge the power
accumulated in the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105, thereby providing
power to the load 115.
[0037] The power from the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 is used to
operate the load 115, here causing the LED to emit light. The process
260 returns to stage 276 where the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and
85 are changed from the second state to the first state, thereby
providing power from the taps 107 to the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and
105.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a filtered charging circuit 200
includes a filter circuit 205 and the charging circuit 50, which are
coupled to a power input 215, a load 220 (in FIGS. 2 and 4 an LED), and
a ground connector 250. The filter circuit 205 is coupled between the
power input 215 and the charging circuit 50, and is configured to
provide substantially DC power to the charging circuit 50. The power
input 215 is coupled to multiple taps 225 configured to be inserted
into one or more trees. As described above with reference to FIG. 2,
the charging circuit can provide the load 220 with a stepped-up,
substantially DC voltage.
[0039] The filter circuit 205 includes inductors 230 and 235, and
capacitors 240 and 245. The inductors 230 and 235 are coupled in series
between the power input 215 and the charging circuit 50 to inhibit
high-frequency power produced by the tree from reaching the charging
circuit 50. The capacitor 240 is coupled between the junction of the
inductors 230 and 235 and the ground 250. The capacitor 245 is coupled
between the junction of the inductor 235 and the charging circuit 50
and the ground 250. For example, the inductors 230 and 235, and the
capacitors 240 and 245 are arranged in a 2-stage pie filter
configuration. The capacitors short-out (e.g., ground) high-frequency
power produced by the tree, further inhibiting non-DC power from being
conducted to the charging circuit 50. The inductors 230 and 235 are
preferably about 10 mH, although other inductances are possible. The
capacitors 240 and 245 are preferably about 470 [mu]F, although other
capacitances are possible. The charging circuit 50 is configured to
receive substantially DC power from the filter circuit 205, and to
output intermittent DC power to the load 220 similar to the description
provided above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0040] In operation, referring to FIG. 5, with further reference to
FIG. 4, a process 500 for providing power derived from a tree to the
load 220 using the filtered charging circuit 200 includes the stages
shown. The process 500, however, is exemplary only and not limiting.
The process 500 may be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed,
or rearranged.
[0041] At stage 505, the filtered charging circuit 200 is coupled to
the power input 215 such as a tree, a fungus, or other suitable
non-animal organism, here by inserting the taps 225 into a single tree.
Each of the taps 225 is inserted approximately 0.375 inches to
approximately 0.75 inches into the tree. If any of the taps 225 are
non-invasive, then that (those) taps(s) 225 (e.g., a transformer core)
is (are) mounted accordingly. (e.g., placed around the circumference of
a tree).
[0042] At stage 510, the filtered charging circuit 200 is coupled to
ground. The filtered charging circuit 200 is connected to the ground
connector 250, such as a rod, or other suitable electrical ground
connector (e.g., a ground connection in a typical residential power
system). More current may be drawn from the living non-animal organism
by the load 220 by increasing the depth that the ground rod is inserted
into the ground and/or using multiple ground rods.
[0043] At stage 515, the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are
actuated into a first (charging) state coupling the capacitors 90, 95,
100, and 105 to the filter circuit 205. Power flows from the filter
circuit 205 to the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105.
[0044] At stage 520, the power derived from the tree is filtered to
substantially remove alternating current (AC). At stage 520 the filter
circuit 205 filters the power derived from the taps 225 into
substantially DC power. The combination of the inductors 230 and 235
and the capacitors 240 and the 245 substantially filters out non-DC
frequencies produced by the tree. The inductors 230 and 235 choke the
high-frequencies produced by the tree. The capacitors 240 and 245
inhibit low frequency power and conduct high-frequency power to the
ground connector 250. The filter circuit 205 provides the filtered
substantially DC power to the charging circuit 50.
[0045] At stage 525 the filtered substantially DC power from the filter
circuit 205 is provided to the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. The
switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are put in the first state to
couple the circuit 205 to the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 to
provide power to, and charge, the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. At
stage 530, the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are allowed to charge.
The amount of time the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 are charged
varies, and may be tailored to suit a specific application. For
example, to provide sufficient power to illuminate the load 220, each
of the capacitors is charged to 0.5 Vdc. The amount of time required to
reach 0.5 Vdc may vary depending on the amount of power supplied by a
particular power source.
[0046] At stage 535, the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are
changed from the first state to the second state to discharge the power
accumulated in the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105, thereby providing
power to the load 220.
[0047] After stage 535, the switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 are
actuated from the second state to the first state, thereby providing
filtered substantially DC power from the filter circuit 205 to the
charging circuit 50. The stages 515, 520, 525, and 530 may be repeated.
[0048] At stage 540, the power from the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105
is used to operate the load 220, here causing the LED to emit light.
The process 500 returns to stage 515 where the switches 55, 60, 65, 70,
75, and 85 are changed from the second state to the first state,
thereby providing power from the taps 225 to the capacitors 90, 95,
100, and 105
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, a filtered charging circuit 300 includes a
filter circuit 305 and a charging circuit 310, which are coupled to a
power input 315 and a load 320 (in FIG. 6, an LED). The filter 305 is
coupled between the power input 315 and the charging circuit 310, and
is configured to provide substantially DC power to the charging circuit
310. The power input 315 is coupled to multiple taps 325 that are each
configured to be inserted into a tree. The load 320 is preferably a
SSL-DSP5093UWC LED (manufactured by Lumex Incorporated, of Palatine,
Ill.), although other LEDs, and other types of loads, may be used.
[0050] The filter circuit 305 includes inductors 330 and 335,
capacitors 340 and 345, and an output node 347. The inductors 330 and
335 are coupled in series between the power input 315 and the output
node 347 and are of inductances to serve as chokes of any
high-frequencies received at the power input 315. The capacitor 340 is
coupled between the junction of the inductors 330 and 335 and the
ground 348. The capacitor 345 is coupled between the output node 347
and the ground 348. For example, the inductors 330 and 335, and the
capacitors 340 and 345 are arranged in a 2-stage pie filter
configuration. The inductors 330 and 335 are preferably about 10 mH,
although other inductances are possible. The capacitors 340 and 345
work in conjunction with the inductors 330 and 335 shorting-out high
frequency signals that may have passed through the inductors 330 and
335, respectively. The capacitors 340 and 345 are preferably about
470[deg.] F., although other capacitances are possible.
[0051] The charging circuit 310 includes capacitors 350, 355, 360, and
365, diodes 370, 375, and 380, a switch 385, a battery 390, and a
ground connection 349 connected to the ground 348. Coupled between the
output node 347 and the ground connection 349 are the capacitors 350,
355, 360, and 365, and the diodes 370, 375, and 380, in an alternating
series of capacitors and diodes. Anodes 371, 376, and 381 of the diodes
370, 375, and 380, respectively, are coupled to the output node 347.
Cathodes 372, 377, and 382 of the diodes 370, 375, and 380,
respectively, are coupled to the ground connection 349. The capacitor
350 is coupled between the cathode 372 of the diode 370 and the output
node 347. The capacitor 365 is coupled between the anode 381 of the
diode 380 and the ground connection 349. The capacitors 350, 355, 360,
and 365, and the diodes 370, 375, and 380 act as a voltage multiplier
circuit to allow filtered substantially DC power to charge the
capacitors 350, 355, 360, and 365 (e.g., by summing the voltages across
the capacitors 350, 355, 360, and 365). Using the capacitors 350, 355,
360, and 365, and the diodes 370, 375, and 380, a higher voltage (e.g.,
2-2.5 V) is produced to charge the battery 390. The capacitors 350,
355, 360, and 365are 5,000 [mu]F, although other capacitances are
possible, such as 10,000 [mu]F. The diodes 370, 375, and 380 are
preferably 1N5417 diodes, but other diodes are possible.
[0052] The battery 390 is coupled between the output node 347 and the
ground 348 such that it may receive power from the output node 347. The
battery 390 is preferably a lithium-ion battery, but other batteries
may be used. A positive terminal 391 of the battery 390 is coupled to
the output node 347 and the switch 385. A negative terminal 392 of the
battery 390 is coupled to the ground 348. Other configurations are
possible (e.g., coupling the negative terminal 392 to the output node
347, and coupling the positive terminal 391 to the ground 348).
[0053] The switch 385 is coupled between a terminal 322 of the load 320
and output node 347 to control a power flow to the load 320. When the
switch 385 is in an open state (as shown), power is inhibited (and
preferably prevented) from flowing to the load 320. When the switch 385
is in a closed state, power may flow to the load 320. A terminal 321 of
the load 320 is coupled to the ground 348.
[0054] In operation, referring to FIG. 7, with further reference to
FIG. 6, a process 600 for providing power derived from a tree to the
load 320 using the filtered charging circuit 300 includes the stages
shown. The process 600, however, is exemplary only and not limiting.
The process 600 may be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed,
or rearranged.
[0055] At stage 605, the filtered charging circuit 300 is coupled to
the power input 315 such as a tree, a fungus, or other suitable
non-animal organism, here by inserting the taps 325 into a single tree.
Each of the taps 325 is inserted approximately 0.375 inches to
approximately 0.75 inches into the tree. If any of the taps 325 are
non-invasive, then that (those) taps(s) 325 (e.g., a transformer core)
is (are) mounted accordingly. (e.g., placed around the circumference of
a tree).
[0056] At stage 610, the filtered charging circuit 300 is coupled to
ground. The filtered charging circuit 300 is connected to the ground
connector 349, such as a rod, or other suitable electrical ground
connector (e.g., a ground connection in a typical residential power
system). More current may be drawn from the living non-animal organism
by the load 320 by increasing the depth that the ground rod is inserted
into the ground.
[0057] At stage 615, the switch 385 is actuated into the first state
(i.e., open) where the load 320 is disconnected from the filtered
charging circuit 300 and current is inhibited/prevented from
reaching/operating the LED 320.
[0058] At stage 620, the power derived from the tree is filtered to
substantially remove alternating current (AC). At stage 620 the filter
circuit 305 filters the power derived from the taps 325 into
substantially DC power. The combination of the inductors 330 and 335
and the capacitors 340 and the 345 substantially filters out non-zero
frequencies produced by the tree. The inductors 330 and 335 choke the
high-frequencies produced by the tree. The capacitors 340 and 345
inhibit low frequency power and conduct high-frequency power to the
ground connector 349. The filter circuit 305 provides the filtered
substantially DC power to the charging circuit 310.
[0059] At stage 625, the filtered substantially DC power is provided to
the charging circuit 310 via the output node 347. Power provided from
the output node 347 is conducted through the capacitors 350, 355, 360,
and 365, and the diodes 370, 375, and 380. The configuration of the
diodes 370, 375, and 380 allows substantially only filtered DC power to
charge the capacitors 350, 355, 360, and 365.
[0060] At stage 630, the battery 390 is charged using power from the
output node 347 and the capacitors 350, 355, 360, and 365. The amount
of time the battery 390 is charged varies, and may be tailored to suit
a specific application. The battery 390 may be charged for a specific
predetermined amount of time, or may be charged until a certain power
threshold is reached.
[0061] At stage 635 the switch 385 is actuated into the second state
(e.g., closed) coupling the load 320 across the terminals 391 and 392
of the battery 392, thereby providing power from the battery 390 to the
LED 320. Power may also be provided to the load 320 from the output
node 347 and/or the capacitors 350, 355, 360, and 365. The stages 615,
620, 625, 630, and 635 may be repeated.
[0062] At stage 640, the power from the capacitors 350, 355, 360, and
365, and the battery 390 is used to operate the load 320, here causing
the LED to emit light. The process 600 returns to stage 615 where the
switch 385 is changed from the second state to the first state, thereby
decoupling the load 320 from the positive terminal 391 of the battery
390, the output node 347, and the capacitor 350. The switch 385 thus
alternates between the first state and the second state to provide
intermittent power to the LED 320. Alternatively, the switch 385 can
remain in the second state to provide substantially constant power to
the LED 320. Other modes of operation are also possible.
[0063] In operation, referring to FIG. 8, with further reference to
FIG. 1, a process 1000 for determining storm distance and/or severity
by measuring the voltage provided by the tree 25 includes the stages
shown. The process 1000, however, is exemplary only and not limiting.
The process 1000 may be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed,
or rearranged.
[0064] At stage 1005, the voltage provided by the tree 25 is measured
using the apparatus 1. Voltage values are recorded, e.g., at regular
time intervals such as every 30 seconds, although other intervals are
possible. Preferably, the apparatus 1 is not used to provide power to a
load (e.g., the load 35) during stage 1005, although the apparatus 1
can provide power to a load simultaneously with the voltage
measurements. The voltage can be measured, for example, by a computer
and/or manually.
[0065] At stage 1010, the voltage measurements are tracked. For
example, a computer system can collect the voltage readings at regular
intervals and store the values in a data table with each entry in the
table representing a discrete voltage measurement at a known time.
Alternatively, a person taking manual measurements can record the
measurements manually.
[0066] At stage 1015, the voltage measurements are compared to a
baseline voltage for the tree 25 (e.g., a voltage value collected on a
clear day). If the voltage measurements decrease relative to the
baseline voltage of the tree 25, then a conclusion can be reached and
an indication can be provided that a storm (e.g., a lightning storm) is
approaching. The amount of the voltage drop and/or the speed of the
voltage drop when compared to the baseline voltage can be used to
determine the severity and/or the distance of an approaching storm. For
example, a 0.5V drop in twenty minutes (with the baseline voltage as a
reference point) can result in a determination that a more severe storm
is approaching than a 0.2V drop in an hour (with the baseline voltage
as a reference point). The voltage readings collected and tracked at
stages 1005 and 1010 can be used at stage 1015 to determine information
about an approaching storm alone (e.g., distance and/or severity), or
can be combined with other weather tools, such as Radar and/or
satellite imagery, used in predicting weather conditions.
Experiment 1
[0067] Referring to Appendix A, exemplary results of voltage yield
tests from different trees using different tap configurations,
different ground rod quantities, and different numbers of taps are
shown. The tests were performed using the configuration shown in FIG.
1, and described in the corresponding written description, where the
load was a voltmeter. The circuit 30, however, as shown in FIG. 1, was
omitted in the tests. The tests were performed selecting different
geographic locations of the trees, different types of trees, different
tap materials, different tap depths, different tap diameters, different
tap heights (i.e., height from ground level), different tree altitudes,
varying numbers of taps, and varying soil conditions. As shown in
Appendix A, factors such as the species and/or the variety of a
particular plant, e.g., tree, affects the available voltage and/or
current. For example, an oak tree located 40 feet above sea level and a
maple tree located 200 feet above sea level provided differing amounts
of voltage and/or current. Trees produced a substantially constant DC
voltage (and some AC voltage), while other plants produced a
less-constant DC voltage than trees. Furthermore, two trees, providing
about 0.75V and 0.8V (DC), respectively, were coupled in series.
Approximately 0.8V was measured from the second of the two tree coupled
in series.
Experiment 2
[0068] The charging circuit 50 (of FIG. 2) was used to successfully
power an LED. The charging circuit 50, using four 10,000 [mu]F (35 Vdc)
capacitors, successfully illuminated an SSL-DSP5093UWC LED
(manufactured by Lumex Incorporated, of Palatine, Ill.) for
approximately one second. The charging circuit 50 was placed in the
charging state for approximately 1.75 hours, thereby charging the
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. At the end of the charging period,
there was approximately a 0.5 Vdc potential in each of the capacitors
90, 95, 100, and 105, storing approximately 0.0125 Joules of energy in
each of the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105. To light the LED, the
switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 were actuated, changing the
switches 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 from the first (charging)
state, to the second (discharge) state, thereby providing 2 Vdc to the
LED (4*0.5 Vdc) and illuminating the LED. After approximately one
second of the LED being illuminated, the voltage across the LED dropped
to 1.5 Vdc and the LED no longer illuminated (the lower operating
threshold of the SSL-DSP5093UWC LED is approximately 1.5V). The
capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105 were allowed to recharge for
approximately one hour to again reach a 0.5 Vdc potential across each
of the capacitors 90, 95, 100, and 105.
Experiment 3
[0069] The apparatus was used to collect weather related information
(exemplary data is shown in Appendix B). Voltage readings were
collected as a lightning storm approached from the West of a test site
including a tree. As the storm approached the test site, a voltage
provided by the tree decreased relative to prior levels. The closer the
storm was relative to the test site, the larger the voltage drop. For
example, when the storm was several miles away, the voltage provided by
the tree dropped about 0.2V compared to a voltage measured from the
tree on a clear day. As the storm had substantially reached the test
site, the voltage provided by the tree had dropped approximately 0.5V
compared to the voltage measured from the tree on a clear day. The
approaching storm was an intense lightning storm, including positive
lightning. Data consistent with the above description was recorded
during other lightning storms. Observations indicate that stronger
electrical activity (e.g., lightning) produced by a storm caused a
quicker and larger voltage drop. Thus, by measuring the voltage
provided by the tree 25, it was possible to gather information
regarding the severity of an approaching storm. After a storm had
passed over the test site, the voltage provided by the tree would
return to "normal" levels within about thirty-five to forty minutes.
Experiment 4
[0070] A modified version of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 was used
to stimulate/enhance the growth of plants including tomato and broccoli
plants. Providing electricity produced by a tree to a plant was found
to increase growth of the plant, to increase the plant's resistance to
pests, and to increase the plant's resistance to frost. A tree was
coupled to a plant using the tap 5 and the wire 15, with the plant
being the load 35. The plant's root system replaced the conductor 10.
Broccoli Plant
[0071] One of several broccoli plants in a group near each other was
coupled to an apple tree as described above during an entire growing
season. Prior to coupling the apple tree to the broccoli plant, the
apple tree produced about 1.1 Vdc and the broccoli plant produced an
average of about 0.3 Vdc. As the growing season progressed, the
"energized" broccoli plant showed increased growth and increased
resistance to pests relative to the other neighboring broccoli plants.
For example, the energized broccoli plant grew taller than the other
neighboring broccoli plants, and produced a larger center head and more
side heads than the other neighboring broccoli plants. An additional
experiment was performed by energizing the smallest and weakest
broccoli plant of the group of broccoli plants. Within about two to
three days of being energized, the newly-energized broccoli plant was
about the same size and height as the neighboring non-energized
broccoli plants.
[0072] The energized broccoli plant was not bothered by pests, whereas
the non-energized broccoli plants were attacked by pests. As determined
by several visual inspections during the growing season, the energized
broccoli plant was substantially untouched by pests, whereas the
non-energized broccoli plants' leaves were eaten by pests. As a further
experiment, a worm was placed on the energized broccoli plant and then
onto one of the other broccoli plants. After being placed on the
"energized" broccoli plant, the worm did not eat the broccoli plant and
fell off. When the same worm was placed on the non-energized broccoli
plant, the worm began eating the broccoli plant soon thereafter. An
additional experiment was performed by energizing a pest-inhabited
broccoli plant. Within about one hour of being energized, the pests
inhabiting the broccoli plant vacated the plant.
Tomato Plant
[0073] One of several Cherokee Purple tomato plants in a group near
each other was coupled to an elm tree. Prior to coupling the elm tree
to the tomato plant, the elm tree produced about 1.2 Vdc. The
energized/connected tomato plant included four shoots, each of which
were coupled to the elm tree. Visual inspections of the tomato plant
revealed that the energized tomato plant grew approximately
thirty-three percent higher than the non-energized plants. The
energized tomato plant also produced more tomatoes than the
non-energized tomato plants. Furthermore, the energized tomato plant
survived the first two frosts of the winter season, whereas the
non-energized tomato plants died after the first frost.
[0074] Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the
invention, including the appended claims. Features implementing
functions may be physically located at various positions, including
being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at
different physical locations. Loads other than LEDs may be used, such
as a transmitter, receiver, microchip, incandescent light source,
infrared light source, a laser, a DC/DC voltage converter, a DC/AC
inverter, etc. Power may be drawn from non-animal organisms other than
trees. For example, broccoli plants, tomato plants, soybean plants, and
mushrooms may be used. Also, potted plants, and potted trees may be
used. The tap may be inserted into a branch of the tree. The load can
draw more current from the tree using multiple ground rods.
[0075] While the tap has been disclosed as a nail, other configurations
are possible such as a staple. Non-invasive embodiments of the tap are
possible, e.g., a donut-shaped transformer core placed around the
circumference of a tree. The surface area of a tap may be increased by,
for example, being threaded (e.g., being a screw) and/or placing
outwardly disposed barbs on the tap. A tap may have a flange disposed
around the circumference of the tap to help a user insert the tap
correctly into a tree (e.g., to the correct depth). A tap may include a
handle to help in insertion into the tree and/or removal from the tree.
[0076] While the terms "connected," "connector," "coupled," and
"connection" have been used to indicate a direct connection, other
configurations are possible. For example, referring to FIG. 6, when the
diode 380 is "coupled" to the capacitor 360, this may include indirect
connection through another component (e.g., a resistor coupled between
the cathode 382 of the diode 380 and the capacitor 360).
[0077] The word "or" is to be construed as including the conjunctive
and disjunctive definition.
[0078] Further, while the description refers to the invention, the
description may include more than one invention.
APPENDIX A
POWER SOURCE
DATA COLLECTION Height
Test Time Voltage Nail
Penetration Nail from No. of
No. Intervals DC Tree Type Nail Type
Depth Diameter Ground Nails Soil Type
Altitude
1 7:00 PM 0.9 VDC PINE STAINLESS
[3/4]'' [1/8]'' 3 FT 2 LOAM
2 7:25 0.9 VDC PINE STAINLESS
[3/4]'' [1/8]'' 4 FT 2 LOAM
3 7:40 0.9 VDC PINE STAINLESS
[3/4]'' [1/8]'' 5 FT 2 LOAM
1 1:00 PM 1.0 VDC PINE STAINLESS
[3/4]'' [1/8]'' 5 FT 2 CLAY-SAND
1 10 MIN -1.2 EIM [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
2 -1.6 BLUE SPRUCE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
3 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
4 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
5 -1.2 EIM [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
6 -1.1 WALNUT [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
7 -0.8 LILAC BUSH [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
8 -1.1 ELM [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
9 -1.6 BLUE SPRUCE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
10 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
11 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
12 -1.4 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
13 -1.4 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
14 -1.5 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 2'' 1 SAND 40
15 -1.2 OAK [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 4 SAND 40
16 -1.2 ELM [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
17 -1.5 APPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
18 -1.5 APPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
19 -1.3 OAK [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
20 -1.2 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
21 -0.8 ? BUSH [3/4]''
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
22 -1.1 ELDER [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
23 -1.6 SPRUCE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
24 -1.2 OAK [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
25 -1.1 GREEN [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
26 -1.1 SPRUCE [3/4]''
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
27 -1.1 [3/4]''
[3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 40
28 -1.1 [3/4]''
[3/8] 8'' 1 SAND 40
29 -1.1 [3/4]''
[3/8] 2'' 1 SAND 40
30 -1.1 [3/4]''
[3/8] 4'' 1 SAND 40
31 -1.0 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
32 -1.0 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
33 -1.0 BIRCH [3/4]''
[3/8] 5'' 1 SAND 40
34 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
35 -1.4 OAK [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
36 -0.9 ? [3/4]''
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
37 1.1 ELM [3/4]''
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
38 1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
39 1.1 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
40 1.1 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
41 1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
42 1.0 BIRCH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
43 1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
44 1.4 BLUE SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
45 1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
45 1.3 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
47 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND APPOX 60
48 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 5 SAND 40
49 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 4 SAND 40
50 -1.3 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
51 -1.3 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 40
52 -1.3 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
53 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
54 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 40
55 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
56 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
57 1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
58 1.4 SASAFRAS [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
59 1.0 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
60 1.0 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 38'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
61 1.2 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
62 1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
63 1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
64 1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 120
65 1.1 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
66 1.4 CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
67 1.4 CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
68 1.5 CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 40
69 1.4 CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
70 1.1 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
71 1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
72 1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
73 1.3 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 40
112 0.9 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40'
113 0.9 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40'
114 1.0 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 40'
115 1.0 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 40'
116 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
117 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 200'
118 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 200'
119 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 200'
120 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
121 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 200'
122 1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 200'
123 1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
124 1.5 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 200'
125 1.2 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
126 1.2 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 200'
127 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 200'
128 1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
129 1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 200'
130 1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 200'
131 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 200'
132 -1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 200'
133 -1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 4 SAND 200'
134 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 200'
135 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 200'
136 -1.3 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 44'' 8 SAND 200'
137 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 60'' 1 SAND 200'
138 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 8'' 1 SAND 200'
139 1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 140'
140 1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 28'' 1 SAND 140'
141 1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 140'
142 1.4 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 140'
143 1.6 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140'
144 1.6 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 140'
145 1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 140'
146 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140'
147 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 140'
148 1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 46'' 1 SAND 140'
149 1.3 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 140'
150 1.1 OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' SAND 140'
151 1.1 OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 28'' SAND CLAY
140'
152 1.1 OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 38'' SAND CLAY
140'
153 1.2 OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 49'' SAND CLAY
140'
154 1.2 OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' SAND
CLAY 140'
155 0.9 RED OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
156 0.9 RED OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
157 0.8 RED OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 56'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
158 1.1 RED OAK [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY
140'
159 1.2 SUGAR MAPLE [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
160 1.2 SUGAR MAPLE [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 25'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
161 1.3 SUGAR MAPLE [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY
140'
162 1.4 SUGAR MAPLE [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
163 1.2 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 17'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
164 1.2 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 25'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
165 1.3 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY
140'
166 1.4 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 20'' 12 SAND CLAY
140'
167 1.4 PEAR [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY
140'
168 1.1 PEAR [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
169 1.1 WILLOW [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 27'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
170 1.3 WILLOW [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND CLAY
140'
171 1.6 WILLOW [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
172 1.1 SPRUCE [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND CLAY 140'
173 1.1 BEECH [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 40'
174 1.1 BEECH [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 40'' 1 SAND 40'
175 1.1 BEECH [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 50'' 1 SAND 40'
176 1.0 BEECH 3 inch
[1/4]-[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40'
177 1.0 BEECH 5 inch
[1/4]-[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40'
178 1.2 BEECH staple
[1/4]-[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40'
179 1.0 ELM [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40'
180 1.0 ELM 3 inch
[1/4]-[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40'
181 0.9 ELM 5 inch
[1/4]-[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40'
182 1.2 ELM staple
[1/4]-[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40'
183 1.1 BIRCH [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40'
184 1.3 ELM [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140'
185 1.3 ELM [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 140'
186 1.4 ELM [3/4]
[1/4]-[3/8] 0'' 1 SAND 140'
187 1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140
188 1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 34'' 1 SAND 140
189 1.5 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 140
190 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140
191 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 140
192 1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 140
193 1.4 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 140
194 1.3 APPLE? [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140
195 1.3 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 140
196 1.1 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 140
197 1.1 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 140
198 1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
199 1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
200 1.2 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
201 1.2 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
202 1.2 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 40
203 1.3 BLACK CHERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
204 1.1 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 14'' 1 SAND 40
205 1.1 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 22'' 1 SAND 40
206 1.1 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 40'' 1 SAND 40
207 1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
208 1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
209 1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 50'' 1 SAND 40
210 1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
211 1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 40
212 1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 50'' 1 SAND 40
213 1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 74'' 1 SAND 40
214 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 8 SAND 40
215 -1.2 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
216 -1.3 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
217 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
218 -1.3 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 14'' 1 SAND 40
219 -1.3 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 25'' 1 SAND 40
220 -1.3 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 50'' 1 SAND 40
221 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 14'' 1 SAND 40
222 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 22'' 1 SAND 40
223 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
224 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
225 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
226 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
227 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 40'' 1 SAND 40
228 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 50'' 1 SAND 40
229 -1.2 BEECH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
230 -1.2 BEECH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 40
231 -1.2 BEECH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 38'' 1 SAND 40
232 -1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
233 -1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 28'' 1 SAND 40
234 -1.3 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 38'' 1 SAND 40
235 -1.4 OAK [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
236 -1.2 BIRCH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
237 -1.3 BIRCH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 40
238 -1.3 BIRCH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 44'' 1 SAND 40
239 -1.2 BIRCH [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
240 -1.1 POPLAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
241 -1.1 POPLAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 40
242 -1.2 POPLAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
243 -1.2 POPLAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 40
244 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
245 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 28'' 1 SAND 40
246 -1.2 BLACKBERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] ?10''? 1 SAND 40
247 -1.2 BLACKBERRY [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
248 -0.9 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
249 -1.0 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
250 -1.1 WILLOW [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
251 -0.8 BROCOLLI [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 8'' 1 SAND 40
252 -0.7 BROCOLLI [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] LEAF 1 SAND 40
253 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 14'' 1 SAND 40
254 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] t0
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
255 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
256 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
257 -1.1 WALNUT [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
258 -0.3 WALNUT [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
259 -0.4 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
260 -0.9 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
261 -1.2 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
262 -1.2 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 40'' 1 SAND 40
263 -1.3 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
264 -1.1 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 12'' 1 SAND 40
265 -1.1 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
266 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 2'' 1 SAND 40
267 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
268 -1.1 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
269 -1.0 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 32'' 1 SAND 40
270 -1.3 LEMON [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
271 -0.9 TOMATO [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 6'' 1 SAND 40
272 -0.8 CAULIFLOWER [3/4]'' [1/4]
to [3/8] 2'' 1 SAND 40
273 0.0 GRASS [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 Alligator SAND 40
clip
274 -1.1 PINE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
275 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 15'' 1 SAND 40
276 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 28'' 1 SAND 40
277 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
278 -1.0 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 25'' 1 SAND 40
279 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 35'' 1 SAND 40
280 -0.9 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
281 -1.0 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
282 -1.0 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
283 -1.1 CEDAR [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 40
284 -1.0 BASSWOOD [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 20'' 1 SAND 40
285 -1.0 BASSWOOD [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 36'' 1 SAND 40
286 -1.0 BASSWOOD [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 48'' 1 SAND 40
287 -1.0 BASSWOOD [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 65'' 1 SAND 40
290 0.0 TELE POLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 40
291 -0.9 LILAC [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
293 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
294 -1.4 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 28'' 1 SAND 40
295 -1.3 SPRUCE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 40'' 1 SAND 40
296 -1.1 ELM [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
297 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
298 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 24'' 1 SAND 40
299 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 18'' 1 SAND 40
300 -1.1 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 30'' 1 SAND 40
301 -1.2 MAPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 0 1 SAND 40
302 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 16'' 1 SAND 40
303 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 1 SAND 40
BROCCOLI
304 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 1 SAND 40
BROCCOLI
305 -1.2 APPLE [3/4]'' [1/4] to
[3/8] 1 SAND 40
BROCCOLI
[0000]
No. of
No. of ground Ground DC AC
Current
taps Material rods material Voltage
Voltage (mA)
1 Roofing 1 Copper 1.02 1.20 15
Nail
1 Roofing 2 Copper 1.02 1.20 21
Nail
1 Roofing 3 Copper 1.02 1.20 28
Nail
1 Roofing 6 Copper 1.00 1.20 45
Nail
2 Roofing 1 Copper 1.02 1.20 20
Nail
2 Roofing 2 Copper 1.00 1.20 27
Nail
2 Roofing 3 Copper 1.00 1.20 35
Nail
2 Roofing 6 Copper 1.01 1.20 57
Nail
[0000]
Conductor Conductor DC
AC Current
1 Media 2 Media Voltage Voltage
(mADC)
Copper Tree Copper Earth 0.50 0.60
10
Copper Tree Copper Tree 0.01 0.00
0.00
Roofing Tree Copper Earth 0.72 0.80
30
Nail
Roofing Tree Copper Tree 0.85 0.00
20
Nail
Roofing Tree Roofing Tree 0.02 0.00
0.00
Nail Nail
Roofing Tree Roofing Earth 0.46
0.50 1.0
Nail Nail
DC AC Current
Conductor 1 Media Conductor 2 Media
Voltage Voltage ([mu]ADC) Elevation
Roofing Potted Copper Earth 0.60
0.20 22 Ground
Nail
Tree
level
Roofing Potted Copper Earth 0.60
0.20 21 1'' thick
Nail
Tree
pine
board
Roofing Potted Copper Earth 0.59
0.59 21 16''
Nail
Tree
wooden
box
Roofing Potted Copper Earth 0.00
0.00 0.00 Held
Nail
Tree
waist
high
[0079] The potted tree was a Norfolk Island Pine approximately three
feet tall, which was potted in a plastic pot about 40 mils. thick.
APPENDIX B
Test 1:
DC Voltage
Time Storm distance from tree
Baseline Voltage - 1.2 V
11:00 AM About 100 miles 1.1 V
12:00 PM About 50-60 miles 1.0 V
0.5 V
1.0 V
0.5 V
2:00 PM Dissipated 1.2 V
[0080] The 12:00 PM measurements reflect fluctuations when lightning
strikes occurred.
Test 2:
DC Voltage
Time Storm distance from tree
Baseline Voltage - 1.2 V
3:00 PM 50-60 miles 1.1 V
3:15 PM 40-50 miles 1.0 V
0.3 V
1.0 V
0.3 V
3:30 PM Dissipated 1.2 V
[0081] The 3:15 PM measurements reflect fluctuations when lightning
strikes occurred.
Test 3:
DC Voltage
Time Storm distance from tree
Baseline Voltage - 1.1 V
7:45 PM 50-60 miles 1.1 V
7:55 PM 40-50 miles 0.72 V
0.85 V
0.72 V
9:16 PM Dissipated 1.1 V
[0082] The 7:55 PM measurements reflect fluctuations when lightning
strikes occurred.
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