Green panels, Green Living (BIQ)

In 2013, the 1^st apartment, Bio-Intelligent Quotient (BIQ), powered by algae has been built in Hamburg, Germany. The microalgae are grown in transparent glass panels. The glass panels have various uses. Firstly, they function as bioreactors. Sunlight and liquid nutrients are made available to support the growth of algae by photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis generates sugars which becomes the biomass of the algae. Growing microalgae is a rather efficient process as its population grows rapidly, 5 times faster than average soil-grown plants. These algae will be harvested regularly into tanks.  The local energy company then transports the algae biomass to a power plant. The algae will undergo fermentation and the biogas produced is used to generate electricity. In addition, pressurised air is pumped into the panels to prevent the settling of micro-organisms. This is because the micro-organisms may decompose when they settle. Secondly, the glass panels also act like solar panels. Excess sunlight, not used by the algae, is collected and converted into heat energy in the building’s geothermal system. The heat energy can be stored and used immediately. Lastly, the panels can block out sound and heat and provide shade.

While generating electricity using biogas is more expensive than solar energy, it is optimistic that its price will fall with greater research and development of technology. In the near future, hopefully more green residences will be available to the people such that they can enjoy green living at an affordable price. 

References 

Iba-hamburg.de, (2015). IBA Hamburg – BIQ. [online] Available at: http://www.iba-hamburg.de/en/themes-projects/the-building-exhibition-within-the-building-exhibition/smart-material-houses/biq/projekt/biq.html [Accessed 21 Sep. 2015].

Roedel, C. and Petersen, J. (2013). Smart Material House BIQ. 1st ed. [ebook] Hamburg: IBA Hamburg GmbH. Available at: http://www.iba-hamburg.de/fileadmin/Mediathek/Whitepaper/130716_White_Paper_BIQ_en.pdf [Accessed 21 Sep. 2015].