Harness of Solar Energy Harnessing of Solar

Harness of Solar Energy

Harnessing of Solar Energy

Relation of photosynthesis and the semi-conductor-based solar cell

Harnessing of Solar Energy

Both photosynthesis and the semi-conductor solar cells are important in regards to the human lifestyle. Photosynthesis helps in the manufacture of carbohydrates that are used for food by humans. Semi-conductor-based solar cells provide energy in the form of electricity that is also consumed by humans.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis in its broader definition is a process that entails the change of light into cellular energy of any kind. The photosynthetic process involves different stages, among them; energy is absorbed using antenna complexes, undergoing of photochemical reactions and conversions into chemical energy. Not only green plants involve photosynthesis for the energy to grow (trees, scrubs, water lilies among others) but also some algae and bacteria (Burghardt, May & Micha, 2009, pg 4).

Semi-conductor-based solar cell

A solar cell, which can also be referred to as a photovoltaic (PV), is any device, that is designed to convert sunlight into electric forces. A semi-conductor-based solar cell is, therefore, an appliance with a semi-conductor diode that works on a mechanism of internal electric fields. Two semi-conductors, the p-type and the n-type that are positively and also negatively charged respectively, are scientifically brought together to transform light to electric forces. The energy is later used by humans inform of electricity. Many people around the globe are taking advantage of this technological mechanism that portrays efficiency and is user friendly (Cau & Brinker, 2008, pg 594).

Comparison

There is an element of sunlight involved in the processes of both cells. Light, in plant cells, helps convert water and carbon dioxide to carbohydrates. In regards to solar cells, light is converted to electricity by use of positive terminal and the negative charged semi-conductors. Similarly, both cells, there are processes resulting to the conversions from one state to another. Solar energy converts light to electric energy and plant cells convert water and carbon dioxide to energy in the form of carbohydrates. There is also a common aspect of energy storage in both plant cells and solar cells. Solar cells store the energy in storage facilities like DC batteries. Plant cells store their energy in the stems, roots and even leaves.

Contrasts

The harnessing on solar energy by both methodologies is faced with various contrasts in the incorporation of the two said processes. Whereas the solar cell has to have an electric load for instance DC batteries or AC equipments, the plant cell stores its energy in the cell in the form of carbohydrates; that is after the food is processed in the chloroplasts. In way of production, the solar cell produces electrical energy from the light emissions while the plant cell manufactures chemical energy (Carbohydrates) from water and carbon dioxide, with the help of light. The solar cells use two semi-conductors that are positively, and similarly negatively charged, to help in the conversion of light to energy. However, the plant cells have specific organelles known as chloroplasts that help in conversion of water and carbon dioxide to energy.

Application of thermodynamics laws

Thermodynamics is the relationship between work and heat and involves energy conservation. Elements like pressure, temperature and volume, are also in relation to the thermodynamic fields in physics and science in general (Holzner, 2011, pg 316). The laws of thermodynamics perceive its relation to thermodynamics through bioenergetics. Through this process, the biological phenomenon of photosynthesis scientifically converts energy from the sun indirectly to photochemical energy. In terms of thermodynamics, the energy changes go through a transition of energy, free flow of energy and entropy. Similarly, energetics in the photosynthesis process effects a change within energy entropy. This leads to higher yields of energy usable to the plant in making food.