PIMP MY ALGAE (Algal Greenhouse Gas Elimination Element)
Speculative Project 2007
A portion of my graduate research investigated the use of high temperature tolerant species of algae in the removal of greenhouse gasses from coal fired power plants and the impact that such technology might have on energy infrastructure. In these systems, algae strips power plant emissions of harmful carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide gasses before emitting mostly oxygen as a by-product. Algal blooms are then harvested and pressed, extracting a high quality vegetable oil. This project speculates on the ability of a similar system to remove greenhouse gasses from automobile exhaust.
The Algal Greenhouse Gas Elimination Element replaces the extension pipe connecting the catalytic converter to the muffler in an automobile’s exhaust system. In essence, automobile exhaust is forced through the AGGEE, a simple algal chamber where algae consume the carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide that escape the catalytic converter.
Because AGGEEs are located out of direct sunlight, a full-spectrum light source powered by the cars battery provides the necessary light while also indicating when the AGGEE needs to be replaced. As the algal blooms grow within the chamber they block more and more light — a dark AGGEE needs to be replaced. Subsequently, functioning AGGEEs emit a soft illumination similar to “ground effects.”
Because AAGEEs require relatively frequent replacement, I investigated the locational strategies of several drive-through services. Drive-through services distribute as a function of distance from a market and the perceived time interval between visits. Wendy’s fast food restaurants locate within a one mile radius of one another in order to maximize their coverage over a dense population. Alternatively, Jiffy-lubes — which expect less frequent but no-less regular visits — locate within a five mile radius of one another. AGGEE based services might need to locate within a two to three mile radius of one another. Finally, system inputs and outputs were mapped as way of speculating about business externalities and as a way of developing site and production level strategies.