What it does
ECO MESSIAH is an innovative project that transforms organic waste into biogas and clean electricity through the use of a biodigester. This energy powers electric bicycles, promoting sustainable mobility and encouraging civic engagement.
Your inspiration
The development of ECO MESSIAH originated from observing the accumulation of waste in Bogotá, particularly along Avenida Boyacá. This observation inspired the idea of converting waste into valuable resources through biodigestion. The need for sustainable mobility was then integrated, aiming for electric bicycles to be powered by energy generated from urban waste itself, thereby creating a closed energy cycle. The social and human dimension played a key role, prioritizing cyclist safety and ecological awareness factors that significantly influenced the design of the app and the strategic placement of the stations.
How it works
The process begins with the collection of aluminum cans to activate the system, followed by the use of organic waste to feed a 220-liter biodigester. Through anaerobic digestion, the organic matter is converted into biogas rich in methane every 15 days, also producing biofertilizer as a byproduct. The biogas powers a gas turbine to generate electricity, which is supplemented by a solar panel to ensure continuous operation of the station. The energy is stored in a battery bank with a capacity of up to 60,000 Wh, enabling the charging of electric bicycles at 400 Wh per charge. This system establishes a clean and decentralized energy infrastructure. User interaction is facilitated through a touchscreen panel and a mobile application. The app enables users to locate stations, monitor charging status, and report potholes, thereby encouraging civic engagement in improving road conditions.
Design process
ECO MESSIAH is a system designed over a 15 week period to address urban challenges in Bogotá, particularly those related to mobility and waste management. The process began with field research along Avenida Boyacá, where issues such as the lack of waste containers in critical areas were identified. From Week 3 onward, key ideas such as the use of biodigesters and biogas were consolidated and supported by theoretical frameworks and design tools including node diagrams, maps, and schematic representations. During the mid-phase, the proposal was refined using PESTEL analysis, stakeholder maps, and phased diagrams. A user-centered narrative was developed through storyboards, interviews, and empathy maps, envisioning interaction with components like can shredders, biodigesters, and a mobile app for reporting potholes and charging electric bicycles. In the final phase, the technical design was deepened through 3D modeling, renderings, and a prototype of the mobile application. Additionally, an educational board game was created, featuring mechanics based on urban life to explain the system in an immersive and collaborative way. Alternative visual strategies were also adopted to enhance communication.
How it is different
ECO MESSIAH is a self-sufficient station that transforms waste into energy for privately owned electric bicycles, surpassing existing solutions such as Tembici or generic EV chargers. Unlike these systems, it does not rely on bike rentals or the conventional power grid; instead, it utilizes biodigesters and solar panels, actively promoting a circular economy. Its model encourages user participation by requiring the deposit of waste to generate energy. In addition, it integrates a mobile application for reporting potholes, creating a hybrid physical-digital ecosystem with immediate community benefits. It is not merely a charging station or a recycling program, but a community hub that enhances both mobility and the urban environment. The project also features an educational board game, transforming the understanding of the system into an engaging and playful experience.
Future plans
ECO MESSIAH is a transformative proposal aimed at revolutionizing mobility and environmental management in cities like Bogotá. Through self-sufficient stations that convert waste into energy for electric bicycles, it promotes a circular economy and active citizen participation. Its mobile app enables users to report potholes and encourages a culture of road safety. More than a technological solution, it is a social platform that integrates infrastructure and community. Designed with global scalability in mind, what aspires to become a replicable model of urban sustainability, connecting cities through clean energy and shared responsibility.
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