FAQ

FAQ

1) Why was the design changed from a tube to a series of algae sheets?
When considering the amount of algae that will purify per person, it is more important to consider the algae's surface area than the algae's volume. To purify the air for one person, the system must contain 8 square meters of algae, according to inventor, programmer, and astronomy expert Robert Walker of Science 2.0. To provide this surface area with a simple tube, the tube would need to be roughly 25 meters long if the tube had a 5-centimeter diameter. The tube would take up too much space in the final design. However, we found that it would be simpler to maximize surface area by creating thin sheets of algae that were close together. By using algae sheets that were 50 cm by 50 cm, 16 sheets would not only be enough for one person, but could potentially be enough for as many as 8 to 10 people.

2) How will water circulate through the system?
The water will circulate via a depression at the bottom of the container, a pump, and a pipe. The container will be pentagonal with an edge on the bottom so that water can collect in the center of the container. It will also be tilted so that water flows to one specific corner of that bottom edge. The water will be pushed through a pipe that leads to the top of the container--above the algae sheets--using a small pump. There will be small holes along the portion of the pipe that runs along the top of the container, so that the recycled water can once again hydrate the algae.

3) How often does the system need to be cleaned?
The bottom of the container may need to be cleaned once every few weeks to clear out algae that may have fallen off the screens. Maintenance should be rare as long as there are no major algae blockages in the pipe. The algae will replenish itself as long as it receives light and is properly hydrated.

4) How much water will be inputted into the system?
Ideally, the trough should be filled with two liters of water to provide adequate hydration for the algae. However, too much water may cause light to be reflected out of the trough, therefore reducing the rate of photosynthesis.

Group 1