For this first challenge, we imagined an application of the Power flower pot, as a family of object. It includes a bedside lamp, a reading light or a desk lamp.

Design

The Power Flower Pot design intents to maximized electricity production by reducing the distance between the anode and the cathode and optimizing the surface of the electrode..

We also tried to combine several functionalities in a single objet:

• A flower pot, producing energy and adapted to receive a plant
• A flexible LED Lamp providing light
• A tablet, that can be used as a shelf
• In some further designs, it could also integrate a USB port for charging remote devices

Energy production

For similar design, studies (link) showed an electricity production of around 300 mV for 8 mA, with a maximum power of 2.5 mW. Based on this data we are expecting an energy production of 50mW*h in 24h, which would be enough to power 2 low power LED (22mW) during 1h.

Prototyping

For the first prototype, we were thinking of using a charge pump circuit to increase the voltage from 300mV to 3-5V and a super capacitor to store the energy.

We were also thinking of using a 1:20 transformer and a LTC3108 to charge a supercapacitor, as shown in the electrical drawing with the thermopile generator.

Thank you for reading. And if you want to help us, we’ll be glad to have your feedback on this project! :)