In 2013, the world’s first bio-reactive facade generating renewable energy from algal biomass and solar thermal heat was installed in Hambourg (Germany). The integrated system developed collaboratively between different actors (including Arup) is suitable for applications on both new and existing buildings. Through various engineering prowess, designers have created facade panels in which micro-algae are cultivated before being used for power and heat generation. The maximum temperature that can be extracted from these small bio-reactors is 40 degrees Celsius. This integrated system is a clear opportunity to advance in environmental technologies, and we cannot wait for these green facades to enter the UK!
further reading…
In 2013, the world’s first bio-reactive facade generating renewable energy from algal biomass and solar thermal heat was installed in Hambourg (Germany). The integrated system developed collaboratively between different actors (including Arup) is suitable for applications on both new and existing buildings. Through various engineering prowess, designers have created facade panels in which micro-algae are cultivated before being used for power and heat generation. The maximum temperature that can be extracted from these small bio-reactors is 40 degrees Celsius. This integrated system is a clear opportunity to advance in environmental technologies, and we cannot wait for these green facades to enter the UK!