This 27-year-old student beat out more than 1800 other entries with his unique renewable system AuREUS.
Intended for windows and walls of buildings, Carvey Maigue invented a new material that’s made using rotting veggies and fruits.
Thanks to his invention, the Mapua University student was named Global Sustainability Winner at the James Dyson Award- an international design competition for engineers in which 27 countries participate.
Solar Windows Made Using Rotten Produce
The solar windows he constructed are made to absorb the stray UV lights and then transform them into renewable energy. Unlike regular solar panels, this system works even when the material isn’t getting direct sun.
James Dyson, the British inventor, of which the award was named, personally chose Carvey and stated that as a farmer, he’s always been worried about covering food-producing, fertile, and agricultural land in photovoltaic cells.
His invention, according to Dyson, shows a convincing method to produce clean energy on existing structures such as windows, in cities.
He explains that AuREUS is stunning in its production of sustainable energy from waste crops. And, he praised Carvey’s determination and resolve.
How Does AuREUS Work?
The invention of Carvey is based on the principle behind the Northern lights.
They collect high energy UV light from the sun and with the use of luminescent particles in the atmosphere, they transform it into low-energy visible light.
Similar type of these particles can be extracted from fruits and veggies. They’re suspended in a substrate of resin and used as core tech for both of AuREUS devices, i.e. the Astralis Solar Wall and the Borealis Solar Window.
When UV light hits these panels, the particles absorb this light and then release it as a visible light along its edges. Then, the PV cells along these edges catch the visible light and make it DC electricity.
And, in the final phase, circuits process the output and this allows battery charging, storage, and use of the electricity.
AuREUS Has so much to Offer
In addition to making use of rotten produce, AuREUS solar windows also turn buildings into vertical solar farms.
Unlike the regular ones, that need to be put at a certain angle to collect sunrays, this system can make electricity even when it’s not facing the sun thanks to the panels’ ability to catch UV light.
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