Introducing a new cycle of architectural eco-infrastructure that promotes the regeneration of local and native plant species within the Valldaura region. Wind vibration energy acts as a platform for new dialog between ecological systems and human interaction. AmpLeaf is a synthesized smart surface which is integrated into the anatomy of the forest to experiment from within, using energy directly harvested from the ecosystem and its many agents rather than energy from existing power grids.

With the rise of a new generation of technologies capable of integration on a nano-level, we, as designers, are able to think about our environments on a different scale and recognize the emergent logics which can be tapped into for experimentation. This project aims to make social impacts on the ecosystem, encouraging birds and animals to gather around targeted flora and fauna native to (or marginalized from) the Valldaura region. The goal is to develop infrastructure that works in sync with existing systems, lessening the disparity between densities of biodiversity in the region and creating a richer and more competitive environment.

Valldaura Self Sufficient Labs

Site occupies an optimal spot for the exploration of biosphere rejuvenation through passive systems. Located in the Collserola National Park, it is one of many sites that have experienced a notable decrease in diversity of plant and animal life due to nearby development. Many studies by CERFA and the Park Consortium have correlated the subdivision and transformation of land with the marginalization of specific species, their resulting relocation and, in some cases, disappearance from the area.

Project Objectives

Through simple, integrated and ecologically sensitive interventions, this project aims to catalyze the slow process of bio-regeneration. Conceptually, it follows four basic pillars of environmental design:

• Environmental Infrastructure: targeting native species of flora and fauna with the purpose of enhancing biological phenomena such as pollination, zoochory (dispersal by seeds), and biotic fertilization
• Passive Energy Systems: applying energy directly back into the environment from which it is derived without the need for external sources. this will lead to the development of a framework for future growth
• Multi-functionality: use of adaptable and flexible tools which can perform different functions depending on input from the immediate context
• Symbiotic Relationships: identifying mutually beneficially ecological advancements for human and bio-life such as increased soil fertility, strengthened phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen cycles, and insect management

Key Terms of Study

• Zoochory (seed dispersal) – involves the dispersal of seeds by the carrying of seeds, fruits and berries by wildlife, including small mammals. There are two subsets of this phenomenon: dispersal by digestion and defecation (Endozoochory), and dispersal on an animal’s exterior (Epizoochory)
• Ornithochory – seed dispersal by birds
• Pollination – defined as the transfer of pollen between plants for the purpose of sexual reproduction
• Biotic Pollination – involves the transport of pollen by insects, bees, birds, bats, and small animals through social behavior and naturally occurring activities
• Soil Fertilization – refers to the the increased levels of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus present in the humus and topsoil of the forest as a result of increased animal deification
• Large Seed Plants – include trees, larger ferns and some thickets
• Forest Migration – the movement of large seed plant populations over longer periods of time, including the expansion and contraction of forest sizes

Product Specifications

AmpLeaf is designed to fit the needs of on-site customization and adaptability. All components are included in a minimally packaged format. Each ‘control’ sheet is embedded with the electronics required for energy harvesting, conversion, and light and sound emission. One additional sheet without electronics is provided and can be installed with the control sheet to enhance material reverberation and increased production.

Energy Production

Energry production with AmpLeaf is simple. As wind flows over and between the surfaces, vibration occurs along the rigid materials, activating the nano-generating piezos. Energy is transferred to the ‘control’ corner, where it is stored for use in powering lights and sounds.  An integrated LDR light sensor in the FLORA microcontroller takes a light reading after each programmed sleep interval (typical interval is approx 30 min). Based on a value of 1 (daytime), the speaker is activated, playing the programmed bird sound. Based on a value of zero (night), the neopixel LEDs are activated until the next reading.

Variation in the voltage input to energy harvester is due to the variation in generation of current from the piezos, which fluctuates according to material reverberation in the surface. Energy produced from the piezos is trickled into the NI-MH battery over time. Output from the harvester to the battery is constant, albeit in small amounts. Output from the battery to the rest of the system via the FLORA occurs at the the 30-minute programmed interval, and differs depending on the function as determined by the light reading.

Social and Ecological Implications

Unlike conventional wind energy harvesters, this device is quiet and embedded into nature. Using wind vibration energy offers a solution to micro-production of energy which operates at a very low frequency and high level of integration due to the fact that it responds not only to windspeed, but also to its direct environment. The cycle of output from the device is directly linked to the amount of energy input in the surrounding by wind, movements of animals, and human-induced environmental changes.

Ecological Agents of Interest:

• Flora and Fauna: the park regions used to be home to a number of species which have now been virtually eliminated. Though human intervention has attempted to bring these species back, we are interested in passive, biological stimulants to the process – Native species of interest: Apricot Tree, Acerola Plantae, Sweet Chestnut Tree, Cherry Tree, Guava Tree, Raspberry Tree, Wolfberry Tree, Pomegranate, Apple Tree, Chillean Guava, Common Walnut, Pear, Common Plum, Wine Grape, Gooseberry

• Birds: Because of their response to blooming and fruit-bearing trees, we are interested in using a back-to-basics concept of attracting birds through sound waves, and utilizing their social nature to passively expand the biological networks at Valldaura – Native species of interest: European Stonechat, Warbler, Nightengale, Wren, Robin, Goldfinch

• Small Mammals and Insects: The possibility of interacting with small mammals and insects is intriguing. An increase in insect populations will attract more birds to the area. Small mammals will contribute to the zoochory and biotic pollination by digesting seeds and berries – Native species of interest: Wild boars, Foxes, Rabbits, Small rodents

Furthermore to its ecological programs, the surface performs another function at night. When light levels reach a certain low, energy from the storage device will be directed towards the production of lights through Neopixel LEDs which are sewn into the fabric.  The intention is to create spaces which are usable by both humans and animals for the enrichment of the area’s biodiversity.

Future Growth

• 2-year: The 2-year plan for growth of this intervention includes the installation of surfaces in 3 specific trees to create a triangulated area in which to study. The target area includes the hilltops to the south and south east of Valldaura campus (pictured). The surface should be checked once per week to ensure that the components are operational and the systems should be replaced after 2 years at the end of the winter season. This will ensure maximum efficiency in peak mating seasons. 

• 15-year: Two centuries ago most of the Valldaura region was occupied by vineyards and farmland which were self-sufficient and home to over 800 species of fauna. The future cultivability of the land is dependant on the strength of the ecological network. This 15-year plan includes a number of extensions of the focused areas surrounding Valldaura campus which will form a framework for biodiversity development, strengthening the fertility of the soils and the natural mineral cycles.

click below to animate

In 2014 AmpLeaf was on exhibit in the Barcelona Llum Festival (Festival of Lights) as part of the IaaC installation entitled ‘Dada’.   2 more AmpLeafs were fabricated for the installation, one of which was 40% bigger. Below are pictures from the event, which took place from February 7-9 in the patio of Museu Marès.

The thought stems from the fact that wind although constant may not be strong enough to generate the required electricity and meet the demand required at all times. Also additional energy generated on otherwise windy days would be wasted if not stored. Furthermore the energy demand would also vary depending on season’s time of the day and other factors.The idea being to store air using air.
Thus the idea is to store the energy that is generated. This could be of great use in Valldaura in order to light the dense regions in the forest area.

Functions

Fanset 1 :The blades are designed to move with greater force than speed and the bearing helps reduce the friction between the various components. Since the direction of the wind is unknow vertical blades are designed.

Gears : The smaller gear spins along with the central axis that helps change the horizontal motion to vertical which then allows the larger gear to create the pumping action.

Containers: The expandable container stores the air in an airtight space. The fixed container helps in compress the air stored so that it is released with sufficient pressure.

Terminus: The funnel helps create a venturi effect that allows focussed air to spin the fan. A horizontal fan is chosen as the direction of the wind can be predicted in this scenario.

Energy Production Systems

In this system energy is produced by two mechanisms from wind energy to mechanical energy creating the pumping action and from mechanical energy that spins the dynamo to electrical energy.

Future Possibilities

Due to the simple mechanism this prototype could be used for various purposes and could be developed easily. Also due to the use of common materials this prototype is adaptable to almost any location with sufficient wind.

Integration

The prototype was initiated not only to sustain and solve the problems of today but also to be sustainable in terms of growing and advancing to meet the needs and demands in coming years.

Social Integration-The main integration would be its easy to understand mechanism with objects we identify so it is easy to replicate by anyone. Environmental Integration-The integration would extend beyond this level by helping reduce the emission of CO2 by  creating alternative source of energy.Avoiding the use of battery to store energy would result in less toxic waste being produced.Economic Integration-The off grid use of energy would prove to be beneficial not only in terms of smaller financial benefits but would result in eventual economic benefits due to the above.

Process

The main aim for the wind machine is to start a production cycle of plants, which can be used in the daily life of Valldaura.

The wall is producing energy with windturbines. The energy is used for pumping water to the crops. The machine uses waste products from the house in the form of grey water and compost.

The structure is built out of hemp, which the plantation can grow.In this way the production cycle is a living cycle itself.

WE5 is made

DOWNLOAD MANUAL 
We5 manual 2013

PROTECTION FOR CROPS

A wall protects a plantation from the strong wind from the north, and allows the sun to reach the plants from the south. The small plants are placed near the structure, because they need more shelter from the wind.

WALL PRODUCE ENERGY
The wall produces energy through windturbines and feeds the plantation with water. The wall also collects rainwater into a tank, which is connected to the grey water from Valldaura.

DESIGNING SLOPE AND PALES
To protect, cover and increase the wind speed to the turbines, pales were added. The pales have two main aims; one is to direct the wind towards the turbine, and second is to accelerate the wind speed. The twisting design of the pales helps in achieving the objective and also creates a venturi effect. The pales are shaped as NACA foils, so they reduce the turbulence inside the slope

SPECIFICATIONS

VALLDAURA
The structure is a new wall merging into the environment of Valldaura. The house of Valldaura is supported by retaining walls made out of local bricks. When the road was made to Valldaura, natural stone was exposed. The new wall component is the juxtaposition between the stone wall and man made tile wall.

OTHER SITES
The wall can also be used in the city of Barcelona. It could  be used by the sea side for producing electricity for lighting and be used as railing at ramps.

The wall can be used to turn harsh areas into possible areas for plantation by  creating a micro climate. The example shown is from a windy dessert.

BUILDING PROTOTYPE
The prototype of We5 was built at IaaC in 2013 and transported to Valldaura. In the future the prototype should be built and assembled locally.

The thought stems from the fact that wind although constant may not be strong enough to generate the required electricity and meet the demand required at all times. Also additional energy generated on otherwise windy days would be wasted if not stored. Furthermore the energy demand would also vary depending on seasons time of the day and other factors.

Thus the idea is to store the energy that is generated. This could be of great use in Valldaura in order to light the dense regions in the forest area. It also hopes to develop into a module that is solar sensitive and can be controlled mechanically as well as thorough technology.

The process included testing and development of the blades and the mechanism which was to be used.

The device requires to the blades to have a large surface area to be able to gain the force to lift and drop a pump with the help of gears in order to allow compressed air to be stored. This air flows through a valve that would be used to spin a fan and generate electricity as and when required.

The process is undergoing and aims to achieve better integration and output.

HEMPself is a wall structure, that produce energy for a production of hemp.

The main aim for the structure/machine is to start a production cycle of plants, which can be used in the daily life at Valdaura.
The machine use waste products from the house of Valdaura in form of grey water. The grey water is pumped from the house to a plantation with help from windturbines. The grey water is filtered and comes out as clean water. In the process the the filtration system (phytodepuration) provide water for the plantation.

The structure protects the hemp plantation from the strong wind from the north, and allow the sun to reach the plants from the south. The small plants are placed near the structure, because they need more shelter from the wind. When the small plants are strong enough, they will be placed further away the wall. In the end the plants will be harvested and will be used as components for structures, textiles etc..
The structure is built out of hemp, which the plantation grows. In that way the cycle produce itself.

The cycle of HEMPself is made.

#01 HEMPself prototype specs:
Weight: 7 kg
Production: 1.7 volts (top turbine) + 1.3 volts (lower turbine)
Windspeed at test: (with 6 m/s)

Next steps

1. Testing #01 HEMPself with different angles of the adjustablefoils
2. Measure the #01 HEMPself and analyze the outout (test it outside and with a fan)
3. Use ECOTECT to analyze #01 HEMPself
4. Find new suitable generators (the old burned down)
5. Research an alternative to resin – bioresin or materials from local bees?
6. Use gravity/capilarity to get the greywater from the house of Valdaura.
7. Investigate a way to pump the clean water back to the house of Valdaura
8. Investegate alternative ways for the use of the electricity from the windturbines.
9. Investegate how the slope can collect rain water.
10. How to design the backside of the HEMPself – solarsystem for small plants?
11. Investigate the scale of the machine

And we say welcome to our new  group member  - Ricardo