Microalgae Curtain Wall with Modular Photobioreactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective, lightweight, and durable microalgae façade system that integrates with tall building enclosures, providing solar heat control, daylight transmission, thermal insulation, and structural integrity while complying with building codes and industry standards, particularly for high-rise buildings in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A microalgae curtain wall system incorporating photobioreactors, interior and exterior glass panels, transoms, and mullions, which allows for microalgae growth, solar heat control, and structural support, with a modular, prefabricated design that includes a controller for regulating microalgae concentration, color, and tint to optimize energy efficiency and daylighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a microalgae façade system is integrated into tall building enclosures to provide solar heat control and thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microalgae façade system is divided into modular photobioreactor units that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained. Each module contains photobioreactors, support brackets, and sealing components as separate assemblies, allowing for simplified construction and replacement without affecting the entire façade system.
Solution Approach 2:
The photobioreactor modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide solar heat control by absorbing excess thermal energy, produce thermal insulation through the microalgae culture layer, generate oxygen through photosynthesis, and can be integrated with building HVAC systems for air quality management, thereby addressing multiple building performance requirements with a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If photobioreactors are suspended between glass panels to allow microalgae growth and daylight transmission, then ecological sustainability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Photobioreactor modules are pre-assembled and pre-filled with microalgae cultures in controlled manufacturing environments before installation. The modules come with pre-installed support brackets, sealing gaskets, and connection interfaces, allowing for precise positioning and quick installation on the building façade without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular prefabricated microalgae façade is used for cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different building enclosures may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor modules are designed with adjustable parameters including variable module dimensions, configurable microalgae strain selections, and adaptable mounting bracket configurations. These parameters can be modified to match different building façade geometries, orientations, and performance requirements, allowing the same modular system to be adapted across diverse building types and climates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances energy efficiency, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a sustainable infrastructure for wastewater treatment by producing renewable biofuel and improving indoor and outdoor air quality, while being cost-effective and adaptable for both new and existing buildings.
Implementation Method 1
The photobioreactors are adapted to receive sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow microalgae received therein
Implementation Method 2
provides solar heat control, daylight transmission, thermal insulation, and structural integrity to the building
Data Source
AI summary
A microalgae system includes a microalgae storage tank, a microalgae curtain wall and a controller. The microalgae storage tank is adapted to store microalgae cultures. The microalgae curtain wall includes one or more photobioreactors adapted to receive the microalgae cultures from the microalgae storage tank and to grow microalgae. The controller is configured to determine at least one of a concentration, color, and tint for microalgae in one or more bioreactors of a microalgae curtain wall based on at least one of a desired heat transmission, solar gain, and daylight transmission of the microalgae curtain wall and control production of the microalgae within the one or more bioreactors such that the at least one of the concentration, color, and tint for the microalgae within the one or more bioreactors is obtained therein.