Algaebulb

Designer Gyula Bodonyi has harnessed the power of green algae in a light bulb. Algae projects have already been seen powering power entire buildings, but Bodonyi’s concept brings green power to the public on a more user-friendly scale. With the Algaebulb, algae powers a single LED activated by a tiny air pump and hydrophobic material able to create a teeny-tiny power house for light. (photos)

 

 

The tear-shaped bulb is made up of an air pump, LED, hidrophob container, PC Shell, and air outlet. The system sucks in carbon dioxide and water through the pump near the E27 screw-top, and as the air passes through the bulb, chlorella pyrenoidosa spirulina microalgae are fostered. While algae flourishes, it gives off oxygen, which in turn powers the tiny LED inside.

When the AlgaeBulb is not illuminated, it appears to be a dark green; a result of the colony of microalgae living within. When illuminated, it gives off a slightly green tinge on the interior, making for a green bulb that is literally “green.”

Although small in size, if AlgaeBulb is employed on a large scale, it holds the potential to save a significant amount of energy. Aside from providing a light source with renewables, the bulb also sucks up carbon dioxide, helping to alleviate greenhouse gases one bulb at a time.

Via Inhabitat