STUDENT INVENTS SOLAR PANELS MADE FROM FOOD WASTE
Although solar energy is becoming more popular, there is a major drawback to this energy source. Carvey Ehren Maigue, a student at Mapua University, has developed a solar panel that addresses this prevalent problem with the renewable resource's efficiency. What, therefore, do solar energy sceptics point to? It's reliance on favourable bright weather. Fortunately, even in overcast conditions, Maigue's AuREUS system is built to continue harvesting light. Because of this additional capability, the new panels can generate electricity nearly half the time, while the existing panels can only do so 15–25% of the time.
Maigue was tremendously motivated when he found that his system may function similarly to the Northern Lights. (In actuality, "aurora borealis" is the source of the term AuREUS.)According to him, "high energy particles are absorbed by luminescent particles that re-emit them as visible light" in the version found in nature. Maigue extracted the luminous particles from some food waste and trapped them in a resin substrate to create his fake counterpart, the solar panel. These particles absorb and reflect light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Visible light reflections are concentrated toward the panels' edges, where photovoltaic cells absorb them and transform them into direct current electricity. This is the fundamental concept underlying the Borealis Solar Window and Astralis Solar Wall AuREUS systems.
The procedure of crushing the fruits and vegetables and continuously straining the resultant mixture is how these bioluminescent particles are really recovered. Interestingly, the food waste employed in production is a result of climate change, even if this resource aims to fight global warming. Millions of hectares of flora have been harmed by the Philippines' fluctuating weather, making fruits and vegetables unfit for human consumption. Maigue discovered a source for his invention here.
The AuREUS panel is the perfect system for building facades because it is around three feet tall and two feet broad. According to Maigue, this indicates that his method can assist in making buildings naturally sustainable while maintaining the functionality of architecture and design. He points out that there is plenty of opportunity for experimenting because the production process is adaptable.
Without sacrificing efficiency, Maigue claims, "we can build curved panels, more sophisticated designs for the walls, or the design customers want." He cites the Montreal Convention Centre as an illustration of how these vibrant panels may be used in a beautiful yet practical way. "By demonstrating to individuals that implementing sustainable practices to combat climate change may benefit both the current and future generations, we can mobilise more people to fight climate change."
Even more exciting news: the AuREUS system has just given the inaugural James Dyson Sustainability Award, enabling it to increase production.