Solar panels are extremely popular because they can harvest clean energy from the sun, but a startup wants to introduce an algae panel that not only generates electricity but also absorbs CO2 in the process.
The idea sounds incredible, but the process is relatively complicated. It starts with a plate filled with water with some algae in it. CO2 gas is introduced into the liquid to ‘feed’ algal growth which is driven by sunlight (photosynthesis).
Allegedly, the CO2 is harvested somewhere, reducing the carbon footprint of another CO2 source. In theory, the algae can absorb twice their weight in CO2.
The more sun there is, the faster/bigger the algae grow. When the panel is full, the algae must be partially emptied and you can restart the entire cycle. This is how C02 is absorbed.
Electricity is generated by heat transfer. When the panel is exposed to sunlight, it absorbs heat, which is then transferred from the water to a thermoelectric generator (which converts heat into electricity).
This technology is manufactured by green fluidics, a Mexico-based startup. The company claims that its biopanel can generate 328 KWh/m2 per year, comparable to solar panels. I find this surprising, however, since thermoelectric generators are typically less efficient than photovoltaic panels.
However, Green Fluidics likely involves converting biomass into fuel in a separate process and from a different facility. If not, we would need a breakdown of the energy produced.
In addition, the algae panel requires regular maintenance, since you have to at least empty the biomass from time to time. I really like the idea, but it seems more suited to the industry than the consumer.
Perhaps certain types of facilities could use this successfully, especially if the building is designed for it from the ground up. Finally, CO2 removal could be exciting as it would be easy to quantify and could also create/earn carbon credits.
Filed in . Read more about Renewable energy, solar panels and startups. Source: new atlas
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