Bacterial Approach to Solar Energy
source: http://ecofuture.net/aliceinwonderland/2009/08/15/bacterial-approach-to-solar-energy/
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- ecofuture
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As the demand for solar power is growing all around the world, scientists develop new technologies for cheaper and more efficient solar energy production. The Hydrogen Club at Oregon University is currently focused mainly on three approaches to solar energy production, namely: bacterial approach, chemical approach (ie. heating up to 1000 degrees to produce hydrogen from water) and the method using microbes to break down waste molecules in water and produce hydrogen as well as a stream of clean water.
Among all, the bacterial method sounds the most appealing to me as it is 100% natural and more promising to be affordable by a larger segment of the world’s population.
The name the protogonists is “cyanobacteria”. Cyanobacteria have an elaborate and highly organized system of internal membranes that function in photosynthesis. And, as a part of this photosynthesis cyanobacteria produce hydrogen. Moreover, it doesn’t need direct or high levels of sunlight.
Certain health risks are indicated for mass-reproduction of cyanobacteria, and an accurate assessment of the risks is not available. Yet, The Hydrogen Club members envision bacteria based solar panels (such as large sheets of gel) to be hung all sides of buildings as a future solar power generation system which could work even on cloudy days.
Among all, the bacterial method sounds the most appealing to me as it is 100% natural and more promising to be affordable by a larger segment of the world’s population.
The name the protogonists is “cyanobacteria”. Cyanobacteria have an elaborate and highly organized system of internal membranes that function in photosynthesis. And, as a part of this photosynthesis cyanobacteria produce hydrogen. Moreover, it doesn’t need direct or high levels of sunlight.
Certain health risks are indicated for mass-reproduction of cyanobacteria, and an accurate assessment of the risks is not available. Yet, The Hydrogen Club members envision bacteria based solar panels (such as large sheets of gel) to be hung all sides of buildings as a future solar power generation system which could work even on cloudy days.
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AnotherEducatedWhiteGuy
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Wow! I can't wait for them to actually do something serious with this kind of technology (or nature actually).
- 2 years ago
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AnotherEducatedWhiteGuy
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msumonica
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Yay! Let me know if they want to get a group together. I'm very interested in this issue and I think it would be outstanding if they wanted to come out to Berea, to do a lecture. We'd definitely take care of them here.
- 2 years ago
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msumonica
