The AuReus System
Organic compounds can convert high energy ultraviolet rays (not useable by conventional PV cells) into visible light, which can then be converted into electricity by solar panels or films. The AuReus System, engineered by Carvey Ehren Maigue in Manila, Philippines, generates clean energy from food waste (one-third of food production globally, and responsible for roughly a third of HGH emissions). Carvey’s cells can be used in a variety of applications, and are not hindered by conventional roadblocks like precipitation, overcast weather, etc.
The system is inspired by the physics of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis). Luminescent particles in the atmosphere that absorb high energy particles like gamma rays or ultraviolet, before degrading and reemitting them as visible light. Ultraviolet lights surround us, even on a cloudy day and the UV exposure in urban areas is being induced by glass buildings. The food waste solar panel will absorb the particles of UV light and re-emit visible light. Whereas, a traditional panel uses mainly visible light to generate electricity. This makes the idea more efficient since it also works when the sky is not entirely clear.
The system could tackle the issue of 20 million pounds of produce being lost on farms every year, by pulling out particles from fruits and vegetables that are agricultural crop waste. The material for the panel is currently sourced from local farmers who are affected by climate change weather disruptions in the Philippines. Maigue goes through crushing, extracting juices of the crops which is then filtered, distilled or steeped. The particles will then be suspended in resin and the result is moulded into the cladding and further clamped onto walls or be sandwiched between the two panes of a double-glazed window. The bioluminescent particles convert UV light into visible light. Maigue says the light depends on internal reflectance to self-adjust and guide itself towards the releasing edge.
This visible light can be converted into electricity using a string of regular photovoltaic (PV) cells, just like the ones found in regular solar panels. The food waste solar panel produces energy close to 50% of the time vs the standard solar panel 15-22%.
The invented AuReus system can turn entire buildings into vertical solar panels when applied as a fluorescent covering to windows or facades. The electricity can either be stored or used immediately thanks to the integrated regulating circuits. Moving forward, Maigue wants to turn the food waste panels system into threads to form curved plates and fabrics to attach them to aircraft and vehicles.
Throughout the journey of the food waste solar panel, Maigue has completed several prototypes and a full academic thesis which prove that the technology is possible. He has also explored the suitability of local vegetables and fruits, of which more than 78 indicate high potential. Thanks to the James Dyson Awards price, it is possible to take the system into the next phases, starting with exploring manufacturing possibilities.
The food waste solar panel will increase people's access to solar energy, help ease climate change, prevent food waste and support the local agricultural sector. The idea sees its potential in any urban area and can facilitate our development into building an upcycled system for the future. Maigue's discovery will definitely encourage the industry to keep innovating further from the already existing renewable solutions.
Images are courtesy of The James Dyson Foundation.