Algae Harvester

Was es macht

The Algae Harvester uses waste heat from fridge condensers (30–60°C) to cultivate algae like spirulina, which thrives at about 35°C. This efficient system turns wasted heat into nutrient-rich algae for food and supplements.

Deine Inspiration

My inspiration came from server farms that use waste heat to grow plants. Another inspiration was photobioreactors, which use tubes to pump and cultivate algae. Algae like chlorella and spirulina are a very interesting superfood, rich in important nutrients like B12, protein, iron, and omega-3. These are all essential nutrients for a healthy plant-based diet and a natural, healthy supplement.

So funktioniert es

The most important part of this design is the harvesting process, which uses sedimentation. At night, the pumps and lights are turned off, allowing the algae to settle at the bottom, where they become concentrated and can then be dispensed. The system features a long cylindrical shape with a volume of 4.5 liters. Daily, you can harvest 2–4 µg of B12, the recommended daily dose for one person. Algae multiply rapidly under optimal conditions. After just one day, the remaining algae in the system reach their maximum potential and are ready for harvesting again. This process can be repeated for several months. A monitoring display tracks the system and regularly checks if new nutrients are needed. Since the entire system is made of pipes and connected to the water supply and drain, cleaning and maintenance are very simple.

Designprozess

For better understanding, I experimented by building a mini photobioreactor at home using a 0.5-liter water tank. To ensure that my concept works, I visited the Austrian algae farm Spirulix to talk with the workers and gain better insights. I also spoke with scientists from the German farm Roquette Klötze, who provided professional expertise. Since harvesting through sedimentation was a key function of the design, I focused on that part first. Because most modern fridges have their condensers on the side, I chose to build the algae farm next to the fridge, with tubes following the path of the condenser.

Warum es anders ist

The design of the Algae Harvester is not intended as a standalone device but as an integrated part of the fridge and kitchen. The idea is that the fridge not only stores food but also produces it with low maintenance. While other photobioreactors use sunlight in greenhouses to achieve the desired heat, this design utilizes heat already present in our kitchens.

Pläne für die Zukunft

My next steps are to continue experimenting with algae cultivation as a superfood and as a future material for industrial design. Besides algae cultivation, I also see potential in using waste heat from electronic devices, which I plan to research further. In general, I want to start a conversation about how and what we will eat in the future.

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