Figure 1. Theoretical Framework
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Electricity is one of the most vital elements in attaining life in the 21st century, for it capacitates the power to provide contemporary energy sources needed in cooking, illumination, transportation, and many others—all of which are processes needed to survive in the modern day. However, energy poverty has become a pressing issue today. In 2010, the World Economic Forum (WEF) defined it as the inadequacy of reliable, efficient, and ecologically sound energy. Therefore, the study aims to be a bridge to bettering the conditions in the Philippines when it comes to harvesting energy daily by providing an alternative to the traditional way of securing electricity through fossil fuels, thus understanding the effectiveness of natural resources, particularly Dracaena trifasciata, in being an energy generator. However, to ensure the success or functionality of the experiment, the researchers took note of the following variables through a theoretical framework. The study considered that the health of the soil impacts the biological activity occurring within its sediments, affecting nutrient availability. The independent variable, on the other hand, influences the electrolyte production, affecting the number of electrons that can be transferred through the electrodes, eventually causing fluctuations and sudden shifts in trends of the plant’s energy output.
Figure 2. Procedural Framework
In conducting the study, the researchers followed the designed procedural framework that provided a systematic approach to experiment and collect data, ensuring consistent and reliable management of the variables. Therefore, guiding the analysis of conclusions and interpretations for the hypotheses and measuring the viability and success of the set-ups involved.
RESEARCH DESIGN
The study required an experimental research design that resembles a parallel circuit using the harvested energy from the leaves of Dracaena trifasciata. Three (3) set-ups were constructed with different test subjects and were placed under the same conditions and time intervals for data collection. Set-up A will test the energy output of another plant, specifically aloe vera. Set-up B, on the other hand, will examine the voltage produced by the snake plant. Lastly, Set-up C will improve the potential energy of the snake plant by increasing the number of connections in a series circuit. Following the same electrical system, as found in other electrical fields, good and common electrical conductors such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are utilized as materials of opposite charges, allowing the free flow of electricity and the transfer of electrons. A voltmeter or multimeter was then used to determine the amount of voltage produced in the different time intervals within the 6-day observation. A variety of statistical tools and observations were used along with the experimental process conducted by the researchers to plot out important points that would aid in the overall results. There was manipulation in certain variables, such as the amount, type, and quality of the succulent plant, allowing electricity to flow and altering the voltage for better comparison.
Figure 3. Set-Up A: Testing the voltage produced from an Aloe Vera plant connected in a parallel series
Figure 5. Set-Up C: Testing the voltage output from two potted Snake Plants
Figure 4. Set-Up B: Testing the voltage produced from an Snake plant connected in a parallel series
SAMPLING
The researchers were able to point out the target participants of the study, specifically those who will potentially benefit from the results of the research. As previously oriented, it is the Gawad Kalinga Community that the group has chosen to support in terms of their electrical concerns across their neighborhood. With this, the study on the capacity of succulent plants to generate electricity aims to provide our target population with an alternative that would accommodate their needs regarding electricity and other energy sources.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The research aims to prioritize the ethical treatment of the plants, emphasizing their well-being and avoiding unnecessary stress throughout the study. The ethical examination extends to environmental consequences, with a commitment to minimizing negative effects on ecosystems and biodiversity. The text highlights the importance of prioritizing sustainability and fairness in the pursuit of renewable energy and addressing social and economic inequalities. Researchers are urged to engage in long-term monitoring, take responsibility, and be prepared to implement corrective measures or halt the project if unexpected negative consequences arise. The overarching ethical principles involve adherence to legal regulations, environmental protection, and responsible scientific investigation to ensure the highest standards in knowledge and innovation.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Researchers used an independent T-test to analyze voltage fluctuations in a plant experiment. Data was collected using three set-ups: variance between plant species, quantity, and prototype scaling. The independent T-test helped assess the effectiveness of the setups in generating stable voltage, thereby testing the experiment's fitness for the GK community. Similarly, the researchers will use line graphs to analyze changes in time intervals and electrical voltage produced by a plant. It visualizes and interprets voltage trends in each set-up using a volt-ohm meter, helping researchers understand electron charge flow, electrode pair success, and conductivity in transferring electrons, which enables them to analyze variations during experimentation and identify potential improvements in circuit performance. Overall, the statistical method allows for correlation and contrast between variables, determining whether voltage increases or decreases over time. Therefore, the study mainly investigates the stability and feasibility of Dracaena trifasciata plants and the relationship between electrode pair time and voltage production to test their capacity to produce sufficient voltage for sustainable electricity.
DESCRIPTIVE
In this section, the results, ranging from descriptive to inferential, are interpreted through tables and figures to explain the trends of the voltage produced and answer the research questions. Furthermore, the study established a 95% confidence level to test the strength of the relationship among the research variables.
Set-up A involves comparing the energy output produced by another succulent species to that of the snake plant. Therefore, the group experimented with aloe vera being the common choice for energy plant generators among previous researchers. The study found that the plant produced the most voltage during the mornings but spiked the most at 9 a.m. Similarly, Day 2 presented the highest energy output, where sunlight hits the plant’s sanctuary at its maximum.
Table 1. Voltage (V) Produced by Set-Up Aduring the Time Intervals
On the other hand, Set-up B consists of examining the controlled variable of the study to analyze the quantity of the voltage produced and its sustainability. Observing the table, the plant efficiently generated its highest output at 3 p.m., accounting that the sun shined stronger at this hour. Conversely, it was less active at 7 a.m., yet the voltage constantly increased as the days progressed.
Lastly, Set-up C quantifies the number of potted snake plants included in theexperiment to discover any changes in the energy output. As a result, the voltage doubled compared to only having two leaves connected in a parallel series. The plant showed to function at its maximum during 5 p.m. Additionally, Days 3 and 4 manifested the highest production voltage.
Table 2. Voltage (V) Produced by Set-Up B during the Time Intervals
Table 3. Voltage (V) Produced by Set-Up C during the Time Intervals
INFERENTIAL
The objective of the study for Set-up A was to test whether a significant variation occurred during the time interval between the morning and afternoon. Table 4 proves that the null hypothesis is rejected as the p-value (0.005) is less than the study's confidence interval. This indicates a significant relationship between electrode duration and the voltage produced in the plant's leaves. Likewise, Set-up C also rejects the null hypothesis with a p-value of 0.006, suggesting that the strength of the voltage depends on the quantity and type of electrode used to transfer electrons that generate electricity. On the contrary, the p-value in Set-up B was 0.145, implying no significant difference in the spread of data for the electrodes to support voltage production during the experiment.
Table 4. Independent Samples T-test of Set-Up A
Table 5. Independent Samples T-test of Set-Up B
Table 3. Independent Samples T-test of Set-Up C
SYNTHESIS
Overall, interpreting the trend of energy output throughout the experimentation period, Set-up A, aloe vera, tended to rely mainly on sunlight as a means to stimulate electrons faster through photosynthesis. However, in Set-ups B and C, the snake plant was displayed to be more active in the afternoon, proving its ability to sustain even little to no sunlight and to activate its electrocatalytic process, or Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). The result then makes it accessible to the population, especially at night, as the plant showed enough storage of electrolytes to generate electricity even with sparse light. Additionally, the inferential results of Set-ups A and C determined that the relationship between the quantity of and duration of the electrodes being inserted within the plants’ cuticles and the voltage produced presented a significant variation. Aside from this, throughout the experimentation, the researchers observed the trend to be inconsistent at most, which the group analyzed may have been caused by the bruising and rotting of the plants. The members noticed a change in color and a decline in health in the place of the insertion of the electrodes. In this case, the researchers overlooked the chemical reaction that the electrodes may have contributed to the plant’s cuticle, which causes them to be lethargic, leading to inconsistent voltage production.
Throughout the process of experimentation on two types of plants, the snake plant and aloe vera, there was a noticeable uniqueness to the snake plant. It makes use of stored water and a concentration of electrolytes in its thick and long leaves to generate energy through its photosynthetic processes. It does not require as much sunlight as other plants, as it produces energy through cellular respiration during the afternoon. Although it generates less electricity than the aloe vera plant, its energy is sustained for at least six days, which is longer than the aloe vera plant.
After gathering the data, the experiment presented that the number of snake plants is directly proportional to the voltage generated. Connected in a parallel circuit, using the volt-ohmmeter, it was observed that in Set-up C, a single plant generated an average voltage of 0.545V in the morning and 0.592V in the afternoon. With two plants, however, the voltage increased to 0.754 in the morning and 0.795 in the afternoon, which firmly proves that the quantity of plants directly affects its potential to generate electricity.
To ensure the most optimal prototype, the results suggest that increasing the number of plants as well as the number of electrodes embedded in the leaves will be able to maximize the materials and surface area of the snake plant.
The results of the study focused on understanding the variations in voltage production during different time intervals and under different setups. The study aims to explore the suitability of these plants as sustainable sources of energy. Set-up A showed statistically significant voltage variation between the morning and afternoon intervals. The results suggest that Aloe vera can sustainably generate energy, supporting its potential as an alternative energy source. Set-up B, using the snake plant, demonstrated a non-significant difference in voltage between morning and afternoon intervals. While the snake plant produced less voltage than Aloe vera, its consistency throughout the day, especially in the absence of sunlight, showcases its adaptability and feasibility for energy generation.
Set-up C involved doubling the number of snake plants, revealing a direct correlation between the quantity of plants and voltage output. This indicates the potential for scalability and increased energy production by using multiple snake plants. The study notes that while a single snake plant may produce less electricity, connecting multiple plants in parallel significantly increases the voltage output, providing a potential strategy for sustainable energy production.
As a result, the researchers suggest that increasing the number of plants and electrodes can enhance voltage production. However, they acknowledge that achieving practical energy use may require a large number of plants, especially for powering devices with higher voltage requirements. The study proposes the optimization of surface area coverage by increasing the number of electrodes in the leaves, acknowledging the need for further experimentation to achieve a more practical and efficient energy output.
Additionally, the study aligns with previous research highlighting the potential of plants, particularly succulents, to generate electricity through photosynthesis. The implications include the identification of snake plants as a consistent energy source, especially in low-light conditions, and the potential for scalability in energy production. Limitations, on the other hand, include the need for more extensive research to address practical energy use challenges and variations in plant characteristics. Future research could focus on refining the scaling strategy, exploring other succulent species, and assessing the environmental impact of large-scale plant-based energy production. Broader implications involve the exploration of sustainable and accessible electrodes and energy sources, aligning with global efforts for renewable energy.
The conclusions align with the initial research objectives by providing a comprehensive understanding of succulent plants' potential for electricity generation, emphasizing scalability and practical applications.
SYNTHESIS
As future researchers aim to develop and build upon the study, numerous areas require refining. These areas include keeping the set-ups in controlled environments, maximizing the plants’ electrogenic properties, expanding to different geographical locations and making use of other plant species, improving planning on the budget and needed materials, and manipulating environmentally friendly materials, especially for the electrodes.
With that being said, these improvements will further allow the study to contribute to the creation of sustainable and renewable energy generators. It promotes growth and calls for action to help improve the environmental situation of the earth as well as the lives of people who are struggling to access basic resources, such as the Gawad Kalinga community, which is the primary purpose and motivation of the research. As of now, although it is not the most reliable source of energy, it redeems itself in its accessibility and affordability in comparison to other renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Julia
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References
References
Habitat For Humanity (n.d.). What is energy poverty: effects on development, society, and environment. Retrieved from, https://www.habitat.org/emea/about/what-we-do/residential-energy-efficiency-households/energy-poverty
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