A Philippines college student has invented solar windows that convert food waste into energy.
Carvey Maigue developed AuREUS as a way to bring energy to those in need and fight climate change. The Mapúa University student is the Sustainability Winner of The James Dyson Award 2020 for his efforts.
A resin is derived from certain varieties of fruit and vegetables that re-emit the UV light to Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and turn it into electricity. The invention was one of 1800 entries from 27 different countries.
Maigue highlighted excess UV exposure in urban areas — exacerbated by glass and contributors to Urban Heat Island Effect — as a key inspiration for the project.
Both the AuREUS wall and window systems utilize the phenomena that cause the Northern and Southern Lights. Luminescent particles absorb high energy particles, then re-emit them as visible light. Maigue derived similar particles from certain varieties of fruit and vegetables and set them into a resin. They then re-emit the UV light to Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, which, in turn, convert that light into sustainable electricity.
