SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS

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RANSPARENT

UMINESCENT

OLAR

ONCENTRATOR

(Developing technology)

Prototype created AUGUST 2014

Developed by MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

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Traditional photovoltaic cells require, at the very least, a translucent coloured surface for light energy to be absorbed. This is because these cells work by converting photons into electrons; a transparent cell would not be able to do that as light travels through it, instead of being absorbed.

Therefore, the TLS consists of organic salts that absorb specific non-visible wavelengths of ultraviolet and infrared light. They then luminesce (glow) as another wavelength of infrared light (also non-visible). This emitted infrared light is guided to the edge of plastic, where thin strips of conventional photovoltaic solar cell convert it into electricity.

The current efficiency of the technology is 1%, although this is expected to increase as the research progresses.

ALGAE BIOFUEL

Algae biofuel is an alternative biofuel that uses the growth and harvesting of algae to produce fuel through the extraction of oils present in algae plants. According to scientist, algae biofuel burns cleaner and more efficiently than standard petroleum.

Algae Biofuel uses the massive growth of algae to provide fuel through the oils it produces. Using building facades as farms for algae, massive amounts of fuel can be produced just by growing algae on the facade. Furthermore, waste water from toilets as well as rainwater will ensure that there will be sufficient water for algae growth without the need for additional water reducing water wastage saving cost and water usage in the building.