Infinity the Pacific Ring of Fire Habitat

Project idea

The solution for today’s issue is a habitat dependent on the international energy and water grid. The INFINITY: The Pacific Ring of Fire habitat will began with a brief in developing and conceptualizing of sustainable vertical housing design for Cabanatuan City by embracing the SIBOL Project or Sustainable and Intelligent Biosphere for Optimistic Living . SIBOL is a system for light collection and its components, hydrogen producing system and the intelligent algae panels. SIBOL works to preserve natural habitats and build an atmosphere composition in balance by promoting sustainable development and renewable aid in developing regions.
Calculating an estimate for the total amount of energy produced through the SIBOL Project was achieved through consultation with, biologist at the University of the Philippines- Diliman Quezon City and National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Laboratory Facilities for Advanced Aquaculture Technologies (LFAAT or Biotech Laboratories). Through this collaboration a tripartite energy extraction strategy was identified as releasing the optimal potential from the algae. The SIBOL system released through the extraction of lipids (oils) and bio-gas (through the processing of algae biomass in an anaerobic digester). To convert these oils and gas to useful electricity, a catalytic-reactor based fuel processor converts the oils to hydrogen. This hydrogen, combined with that produced directly from the algae, is converted to electricity and heat in a hydrogen fuel cell.
INFINITY applied this science as a conceptual system model of algae architectural panels adapted on the habitat units for the potential energy in hydrogen, biodiesel, biomass to create an off the grid habitat in the year 2020. Through this project, it shown that the integration of algae as an energy generator within a habitat is not only feasible, but that co-habitation can result in a self-sustainable symbiotic system and open up many exciting architectural possibilities for green living.

Project description

The study was connected in the National Framework on Climate Change in 2020 to design an innovative resilient housing for the Filipino. The INFINITY is a community complex composed of eight condominium buildings, a green park and commercial complex. Infinity develops communities that are resilient and empowered by giving the birth of a living house to be an asset of the nation to the millennium issue of climate change. The prospect is to make a community which is a life sustaining home from its architectural, structural, water supply facilities and electrical aspect to survive from the risk of the climate change.
The project envisions a climate risk resilient Philippines with healthy, safety, prosperous, self-reliant communities, productive ecosystem, simultaneously grow the economic development of the country in renewable use of energy. And to fulfill the human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment for current and future generation.
SIBOL Project is a new form of residential building in which adaptable architectural designs can be combined with intelligent technologies and construction materials. As one of the main themes of the “A building as a living thing for living being”, these constitute an architectural pilot project, using four exemplary building types to show how new technological approaches can be translated into a forward looking architectural language, and traditional techniques reinterpreted.
As its starting point for the SIBOL Project theme, the researcher presented the following basic ideas. Smart materials are active, with a transformative character. They respond to changing environmental conditions. In an intelligent interaction with “smart technologies”, this process can be extended to the level of networked building services, and can monitor and optimize the energy and material maintenance.
For this purpose, the existing categories of materials must be considered afresh, because smart materials, being active, take on opposing properties and functions at different times. Material and technological innovations in architectural history were always associated with a fundamental change in what architecture could and should be. These days, it can be observed that sustainability is the background to many design decisions.

Technical information

AWARDS
Merit Prize Winner- BCA-SIA- SGBC International Tropical Architecture Design Competition of the International Green Building Conference 2016, September 5-10, 2016 Singapore
3rd Place Winner- Annual Best NEUST- Best Student Researcher, Basic and applied science, engineering and information technology category, February 26, 2016, NEUST-Philippines
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Title: INFINITY- The Pacific Ring of Fire Habitat with the application of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii (Green Algae) as smart materials for an innovative 360 degrees photobioreactor window façade for off the grid, resilient and sustainable urban living habitat.
Institution/College/Campus : NEUST- COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
Researcher/s : NORIEL M. ESTIPULAR
Types/ Category : BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCE /
ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY/ SOCIAL SCIENCE
Status : COMPLETED
Duration : 1 YEAR
Budget : 100, 000.00
II. ABSTRACT
The solution for today’s issue is a habitat dependent on the international energy and water grid. The INFINITY: The Pacific Ring of Fire habitat will began with a brief in developing and conceptualizing of sustainable vertical housing design for Cabanatuan City by embracing the SIBOL Project or Sustainable and Intelligent Biosphere for Optimistic Living . SIBOL is a system for light collection and its components, hydrogen producing system and the intelligent algae panels. SIBOL works to preserve natural habitats and build an atmosphere composition in balance by promoting sustainable development and renewable aid in developing regions.
Calculating an estimate for the total amount of energy produced through the SIBOL Project was achieved through consultation with, biologist at the University of the Philippines- Diliman Quezon City and National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Laboratory Facilities for Advanced Aquaculture Technologies (LFAAT or Biotech Laboratories). Through this collaboration a tripartite energy extraction strategy was identified as releasing the optimal potential from the algae. The SIBOL system released through the extraction of lipids (oils) and bio-gas (through the processing of algae biomass in an anaerobic digester). To convert these oils and gas to useful electricity, a catalytic-reactor based fuel processor converts the oils to hydrogen. This hydrogen, combined with that produced directly from the algae, is converted to electricity and heat in a hydrogen fuel cell.
INFINITY applied this science as a conceptual system model of algae architectural panels adapted on the habitat units for the potential energy in hydrogen, biodiesel, biomass to create an off the grid habitat in the year 2020. Through this project, it shown that the integration of algae as an energy generator within a habitat is not only feasible, but that co-habitation can result in a self-sustainable symbiotic system and open up many exciting architectural possibilities for green living.
Keywords: algae, hydrogen, vertical housing, biomass, catalytic-reactor
II. RATIONALE
The study was connected in the National Framework on Climate Change in 2020 to design an innovative resilient housing for the Filipino. The INFINITY is a community complex composed of eight condominium buildings, a green park and commercial complex. Infinity develops communities that are resilient and empowered by giving the birth of a living house to be an asset of the nation to the millennium issue of climate change. The prospect is to make a community which is a life sustaining home from its architectural, structural, water supply facilities and electrical aspect to survive from the risk of the climate change.
The project envisions a climate risk resilient Philippines with healthy, safety, prosperous, self-reliant communities, productive ecosystem, simultaneously grow the economic development of the country in renewable use of energy. And to fulfill the human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment for current and future generation.
SIBOL Project is a new form of residential building in which adaptable architectural designs can be combined with intelligent technologies and construction materials. As one of the main themes of the “A building as a living thing for living being”, these constitute an architectural pilot project, using four exemplary building types to show how new technological approaches can be translated into a forward looking architectural language, and traditional techniques reinterpreted.
As its starting point for the SIBOL Project theme, the researcher presented the following basic ideas. Smart materials are active, with a transformative character. They respond to changing environmental conditions. In an intelligent interaction with “smart technologies”, this process can be extended to the level of networked building services, and can monitor and optimize the energy and material maintenance.
For this purpose, the existing categories of materials must be considered afresh, because smart materials, being active, take on opposing properties and functions at different times. Material and technological innovations in architectural history were always associated with a fundamental change in what architecture could and should be. These days, it can be observed that sustainability is the background to many design decisions.

IV. OBJECTIVES
This study which utilizes Green Algae (Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii) to produce renewable energy in a modern habitat hope to serve the following purpose:
To develop an integrated material made from Green Algae Photobioreactor in application to the concept system of the INFINITY: The Pacific Ring of Fire habitat as a sustainable and resilient structure.
To provide an economical solution for alternative energy using the algae façade windows; and
To build an atmosphere composition in balance by promoting renewable aid and a self-sustainable symbiotic system of architectural possibilities for “green living”.

V. METHODOLOGY
This research used an experimental method using the Green Algae (Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii) growth development observation, biomass production and oil extraction for hydrogen electric generation. The algae are examined for the environmental system concept of SIBOL Project.
Application of the morphological biomimetic concept of coconut tree in the architectural solution of INFINITY lend a hand the project to promote the structure as a pioneer sustainable and resilient residential development in the Philippines powered by algae.
Materials for Observing Algae Growth
1 Liter Plastic Bottle or any clear container
Air Pump and Air stone
6mm air tubing / 6mm rigid air tubing
Freshwater/Rainwater

Procedure
1. Wash the plastic bottle, using clean water and clean rug.
2. Put 900ml of freshwater or rainwater on the bottle, retain a 10% air gap to catch right amount of oxygen.
2. Put the 10g of Green Algae (Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii) in the freshwater or rainwater.
3. Assemble the 6mm air tube, 6mm rigid air tube, air stone and air pump to the bottle.
4. Turn on the air pump for the Algae growth and development.

After 8 days of observation, laboratory test is applied for the power performance, biomass production and assessment of algae growth in the reactor. The algae was test in the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Laboratory Facilities for Advanced Aquaculture Technologies (LFAAT or Biotech Laboratories).



















VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After the experimental methods, the researchers came up with the environmental results.
a. Algae Power Performance
The results in figure 2 are consistent with previously reported data, where the algae were shown to improve the system power performance and longevity. This can significantly lower the cost of technology making it feasible for practical applications.









Figure 2: The algae power performance

b. Algae growth within the reactor
The relationship between optical density, cell density and dry weight was established by linear regression, as shown in (Figure 3). As the samples were taken from the photobioreactor bottles, it was observed that algae, algae wire and algae water showed uniform cell densities, whereas more aggregation was observed in the string and cellulose units.








Figure 3: Algae growth within the reactor






Technology Cost
The SIBOL Algae Façade components are listed below to compute the technology cost of the in year 2016 and year 2020.
ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS














BAY SECTION AND LIGHTING CONCEPT







Weather Adaptation Strategy of SIBOL Project
Weather Adaptation Strategy of SIBOL Project
During Typhoon







Cabanatuan City had been experienced the typhoon Santi and Lando and it almost destroy the structures of the metropolitan particularly the windows of the residential and commercial establishments.
Through the concept of rotating louvers and shutters, the occupants can turn the face of the louvers depending upon a given situation. During typhoon the algae façade is rotated facing the interior of the unit to avoid breaking of the glass. The used of LPDE is used for the safer glass panels.
During Daytime






Cabanatuan City used to be on top hottest point of the dry during summer. On the upcoming years, Cabanatueno’s should expect that it will become hotter from the region.
Through the SIBOL Project, the direct light and extreme heat during afternoon would not be a problem anymore. Algae absorb the light passing through the window panels it absorb the 72% heat of the direct light and the 28%, by using the photosynthesis concept, algae is useful for obtaining and releasing of oxygen inside the unit. It also block and absorb the carbon emissions from the outside, it will feed the algae for its multiplication and development. The used of 360 degrees louver type window is useful to face any of the sun’s direction. It is operated manually to ensure the minimal maintenance operation and to command occupants while shaping their minds toward a green living and and healthier lifestyle.
During Viewing or Passive Cooling Strategy








Considering Vista and Commendable fenestration are also established behind the notions of the technology. It is important the occupants can see the outside of the structure to feel the ambiance of the sustainable living on the condominium units. The comprehensiveness of the design justly fits various conditions of the environment and occupant’s convenience.








UV Rays Eradication Technique












Sibol Project is an affordable alternative energy technology for residential properties and other individual buildings, a direct solution for today’s environmentally-conscious property owner. Sibol Project is configurable with versatile solar collectors, tubular bioreactors and window bioreactors. Light is absorbed by solar collectors on the top and side of the structure. The collectionsimply captures natural sunlight and transfer it via fiber optic cables to the bioreactor volume.
Algae are grown within the bioreactor volume(s). The bioreactors are a controlled growth environment, and light is evenly distributed to the algal culture to optimize photosynthetic efficiency. As algae grow and become dense, it exits the bioreactor volume and enters a combustion chamber. The biomass is converted into electricity for use and carbon dioxide to be recycled in the growth process.


SIBOL SMART MATERIAL CONCEPT
The bioreactor façades on the southeast and southwest sides of the building are used for production of biomass and heat. A bioreactor façade consists of 129 reactor modules, called photobioreactors (PBRs), 70 cm wide, 270 cm high and 8 cm thick, arranged in groups. The PBRs are mounted on a steel frame that is simultaneously used for wiring. The PBRs are filled with water (culture medium), in which microalgae are cultivated. As a nutrient, CO2 is added to the culture, for which flue gas from a biogas-fuelled microCHP (combined heat and power unit) is used. The CO2 converts the growing algae to biomass.







Figure 1: Front Façade of the SIBOL Window Photobioreactor








Figure 2: Back of the SIBOL Window Photobioreactor
The PBR, without supports, is a 1.7 cm wide, discshaped hollow body of transparent, clear glass (laminated safety glass (LSG) on both sides), filled with an aqueous solution (the culture medium). This contains the nutrient salts necessary for algae growth. To avoid the microalgae sinking and remaining in suspension, the culture medium is continuously stirred by the supply of compressed air into the PBR (through an airlift). The high flow velocities along the inner surfaces of the bioreactor, and the lattice-like beads (scrapers) enclosed within it, inhibit the deposition of microalgae and biopollution. This CO2 is added continuously as a nutrient.
When in operation, the bioreactors are connected in series, so culture medium circulates through all of them. When light falls on them, during the day, the bioreactors can heat up to a temperature of 35°C. So their function corresponds to that of solar thermal absorbers. The water is circulated through the building services center, where biomass is collected at a central location (by filtering out) and heat drawn off (through a heat exchanger). The heat energy produced is distributed in the energy center for various uses: heating, and preheating of hot water. The biomass obtained is filtered out in the energy center, collected, converted into biogas in an external biogas plant, and used to supply energy to the city (see below). Simultaneously, the CHP is required to produce flue gas as a nutrient for the bioreactors. The resulting waste heat is also used to heat water, or surpluses are stored in the district heating system of the energy network and taken from the district heating system again if necessary.







Figure 3: Functioning of SIBOL Photobioreactor Facade
Operation of a Bioreactor Façade
For the cultivation of algae, the PBRs are filled with drinking water enriched with plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, trace elements). The nutrient composition of this culture medium is selected or varied so that optimal growth of algae may be obtained. To keep the nutrient concentration constant, the culture medium is continuously tracked in the PBR. In proportion to the volume added to the culture medium, algae suspension flows out of the PBR. Through this sequence, the harvesting of the algae is ensured simultaneously. The separation of the algae from the culture medium (necessary for harvesting) takes place in a flotation system, specially developed together with the company AWAS International GmbH.
After the separation, most of the culture medium is returned to the PBR. Only a small amount of the culture medium is removed from the system. The biomass resulting from the growth of the algae is automatically harvested through an algae separator (the flotation system mentioned above) and collected in a temperature-controlled container. Removal to a biogas plant and conversion of biomass to methane occurs about once a week. The conversion of biomass to methane is not done on site, because the necessary technology is not yet ready for use in residential buildings, or is difficult from a legal point of view: instead, it is carried out externally in a biogas plant. and discharged via a drainage arrangement into the public sewer. When operating the bioreactor façade, every effort is made to keep the drainage as low as possible and to carry out the cultivation with a largely closed circuit for water and nutrients, thus using few resources. The supply of CO2 to the algae is ensured via a saturation device, through which flue gas from the micro-CHP is introduced directly into the water circuit, and with which the amount of bioactivity and thus the degree of bioreactor coloration can be controlled. The use of the CHP is controlled as needed for the desired growth of algae.
A monitoring network has been established to check continually all the parameters relevant to the process. Control of the system is almost fully automated.


Algae Separator / Conversion
The biomass resulting from the growth of the algae is automatically harvested through an algae separator (the flotation system mentioned above) and collected in a temperature-controlled container. Removal to a biogas plant and conversion of biomass to methane occurs about once a week. The conversion of biomass to methane is not done on site, because the necessary technology is not yet ready for use in residential buildings, or is difficult from a legal point of view: instead, it is carried out externally in a biogas plant.
Inlets and Outlets
To supply the PBR, two separate pipe systems function on the façade, a compressed air system and a water system:
Compressed air system (air at a pressure of about 2 bar), to operate the airlift. Each bioreactor is connected to this air system. The injection of air every 4 seconds is controlled by magnetic valves, which are integrated, like the water circuits, into the carrier system of the façade.
Each bioreactor is connected by an inlet and an outlet to the water system. There is a separate circuit for each storey of the building. The four circuits are brought together in the energy center.
Each storey has a current distribution board to control the valves of the respective control circuits. The current distribution boards of the different storeys are merged into a main distribution board in the energy center.
Circulation of the media is ensured by thermally insulated stainless steel wires. The temperature in the PBR is kept constantly below 40°C in the summer and above about 5°C in the winter.










Figure 4: Inlets and Outlets Functioning Diagram
Building Services / Energy Management Center
Continuous microalgae cultivation with minimal maintenance expenditure is made possible by automated control of the process and installations, combining the cultivation of the algae with their harvesting and utilization. The additional building services required are to be integrated as a “plugin” into standard building services equipment. Supply and disposal of water for the bioreactors is ensured directly through municipal tap water and sewage services.






Figure 5: Building Services Concept
The basic idea behind the energy concept is the connection of different energy sources so that they will work together. The energy concept is thus capable of bringing together, in one circuit, solar energy, geothermal energy, a condensing boiler, district heating, and the production of biomass in the bioreactor façade.
Table 1: SIBOL Photobioreactor Basic data and Energy Production

VII. CONCLUSIONS
The following statements are concluded through the results of experimental investigations.
This study presents a fully biotic system that is able to continuously generate electricity with simultaneous biomass production in cathodic photoreactors. It shows the sustainable recovery of biomass enhancing carbon capture and its reuse for electric output in the same system.

The cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production requires high levels of biomass productivity per area and minimal costs. Major technical and economic challenges impede the selection of an optimal reactor type at the commercial scale. Without detailed economic considerations, closed reactors appear to perform better than open ponds because they maintain favorable growth conditions and are less vulnerable to contamination.

. The capture of the energy locked within the organic contaminants of wastewater to produce electric energy and the improvement in nutrient recovery, could serve as a sustainable option increasing the energy recovery balance.

The technology used is a pioneer in what we call “environmentally beneficial” electricity while most alternative energy sources can guarantee carbon-neutrally in their process, products like solar panels and wind turbines are still manufactured in a polluting way. Sibol Project is unique in that it is produced and operates in an environmentally- beneficial way: the bioreactors are produced using materials such as bioplastic, and the energy Sibol Project generates is stored in an eco-friendly way, the same way plants naturally store energy in photosynthesis.
The SIBOL Façade is feasible on creating sustainable electricity through the Green Algae (Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii).

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of this study, using microalgae technology in the façades of buildings could be created below are recommended:
1. Further analysis on the cultivation of different algae species characteristics for better power performance and biomass production.
2. Prototypes of actual project must be erected for the comparative analysis of different climates and temperature adaptation.
3. Enhancement of the conventional and local materials for the project and analyze for its sustainable and resilient qualities.
4. Further analysis in the new technology to be used for a clean and carbon neutral system.
IX. REFERENCES
Jones, R. M. Noguer, D.Hassel, D.Hudson S.Wilson,G.Jenkins J. Mitchell. 2004: Generating Highresolution Climate Change Scenarios Using PRECIS. Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research. 21-23
Hulme, M., G. J. Jenkins, X. Lu, J. R. Turnpenny, T. D. Mitchell, R. G. Jones, J. Lowe, J. M. Murphy, D. Hassell, P. Boorman, R. Macdonald and S. Hill, 2002: Climate-Change Scenarios for the United Kingdom: The UKCIP02 Scientific Report. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group l to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon.S.,D. Qin, M.Manning ,Z.Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.) ]. Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, USA.
Mearns L. O., F. Giorgi, P. Whetton, D. Pabon, M. Hulme and M. Lal, 2003: Guidelines for Use of Climate Scenarios Developed from Regional Climate Model Experiments. IPCC Task Group on Scenarios for Climate Impact Assessment guidance note.
M.L.Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. van der Linden and C.E. Hanson eds), 2007; Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York. NY, USA. 976 pp.

PUBLICATIONS
Adapting to Climate Change: UK Climate Projections, June 2009. UK Government
Climate Change in Queensland “What the Science is telling us”, June 2008. Office of Climate Change, Environmental Agency, Queensland, Australia.
Preparing for climate change: A guide for local government in New Zealand, 2008; New Zealand Government. ISBN 978-0-478-33116-5 (print). ISBN 978-0-478-33117-2 (electronic)
Second National Communication on Climate Change: Philippine SNC Project (Project ID # 00037339: Enabling Activity for the Preparation of the Philippines’ Second National Communication on Climate change to the UNFCCC)