Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The big difference is given by its ''Architecture'' specificity. The innovation is
its integration into architecture. This makes the industrial element transform into
architectural and vice versa. The synergy generated by summation ''profits'' turn
the architecture into iconic, environmentally didactic, active energetically, surface
saving and environmentally friendly, all with minimal increase of their cost, that
is, with very low investment and high returns.
In short, this is a new reinterpretation of industrial algae photo-bioreactors to
become ''skin'' or constructive architectural surface. That is to say, to turn the
''back-stage'' production to the ''front-row'', converting the up to now industrial in
a new type of outer layer of the architectural envelope with important additions to
energy level and environmental values.
The architectural photo-bioreactors are integrated, in addition, in a complete
system that involves collecting the algae, which implies a duct with impulsion of
water with microalgae, nutrients and CO
2
and then collecting the production of
microalgae, with the help of storage tank and centrifuge and other deposits
according to the final product to be obtained from algae. All with the appropriate
control system, automation and monitoring of the cultivation process (Fig.
7.4
).
As a particular feature for the integration of photo-bioreactors with the build-
ings, the overall described system can be combined with other specific construc-
tive systems to obtain added benefits as described below:
• The water supply system may be combined with the system of sewage col-
lection, since they provide precisely the chemicals and nutrients needed for
algal growth. Thus it produces a closed water cycle so that the grey water can
be commonly drained into the sewage system which could be now recycled, to
minimize the impact on the sewerage.
• The system to supply the CO
2
, which is necessary for the growth of algae, can
come from all the machinery in a construction producing CO
2
, so that instead
of emitting CO
2
in the free environment, these emissions could be let in a
closed circuit which goes to the cultivation of algae.
• This system is also capable of combining with CO
2
from power plants or
industries in a symbiotic process.
• The algae photo-bioreactor also can be converted into an excellent insulator for
architecture which can replace the usual insulators. It can modify the building
systems to replace the traditional ''fill'' insulation of external walls by the outer
layer of the construction formed in this case by the photo-bioreactor itself and
water
containing
organic
material,
acting
this
thermoregulatory
and
as
insulation.
The diversity of types of construction requires specific technology proposed for
each type of building and constructive circumstance or environment. And in turn
the various materials offer opportunities for a range of solutions that are addressed
in this project.
The new approach provides a number of tangible and intangible benefits that
make the product unbeatable and highly competitive in various ways.
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