Already being used as a large-scale power source for housing heating/cooling & biodiesel creation, algae as a natural energy source is one of the more exciting alternatives of the near future. The AlgaeBulb is an exploration into the use of the organisms on a micro-scale in single LED lightbulb that harnesses the green-power of algae. Using a small air pump compressor, tank, and hydrophobic material, it creates just enough electricity to power the LED for limited durations. Hit the jump to see how it works!
Designer: Gyula Bodonyi
What powers the tiny pump?!?
it works from electrical network as a similar light bulb, while generating oxygen too.
That’s my original description:
AlgaeBulb is some kind of oxygen generator which uses natural and high tech components too. The head part contains a LED lamp and a little air pump. This pump compress the air into the algae tank covered with a hidrophobic material, that keeps the fluidic content in the tank and let the air flow free. The cover of the tank is a matte translucent policarbonat shell that leads the LED’s light through the body and luminates both the alge and the interior where it’s placed in.
Both the pump, and the LED light powered by the electrical network! As an average light bulb.
So it does not generate power from the algae – merely O2? Is that correct?
Yes it is! My goal was to create something that makes the indoor air quality better. This is the cause why it has an E27 socket on the top! Its a light bulb..basically. 🙂
This is awesome, working in an oxygen-rich office would be so much more productive.
Hey, Gyula,
could you tell me how can I get one of those?
Unfortunately it’s just a conception now… But I hope, I find someone who can help me to make Algaebulb to a working product. If I’ll be lucky, maybe once, you can get one.
Hey Gyula, what about commercial rod style units?
Hi Gyula, would you let me know when your product becomes widely available? I know so many people who would love to own at least one of those. Thank you, regards.
Unfortunately now, I’m not able to turn this design to product, by many causes, but someday hopefully I will have the background. :/