Computational model for temperature in tree trunk for energy harvesting

Abstract

The temperature difference in the cross section of a tree trunk, measured radially, generates voltage. This is leveraged to power thermoelectric devices for the purpose of environmental monitoring. The authors present a numerical model for the temperature differential within a tree stem. This model contributes to a proof of concept for the feasibility of using trees as an ambient power source for wireless devices.The University of Washington Tacoma is in ongoing research cooperation with the University of Paraiba, Brazil and the University of the Azores, Portugal in the areas of Wireless Sensor Networks, Energy Harvesting, and Environmental Monitoring. This paper is part of these collaborative efforts and is related to the specific goal of deploying a network of wireless environmental sensors in the Island of Sao Miguel, Archipelago of the Azores, to monitor both the natural (volcanic) and industrial pollution, as well as monitoring the traffic of tourists on the island.