Emerald
automated personal algae incubator
Emerald is a decor object with an automated system to grow and harvest spirulina algae at home. I designed and developed a prototype for this project with Timothy Lobiak for the 2019 Biodesign Challenge: Biodesigning the Future of Food. In essence, Emerald is a bioreactor that creates the perfect controlled environment for spirulina to grow.
sensor system
The system consists of automated blue and red LEDs to provide the optimal light spectrum for photosynthesis in this specimen. The temperature of the growth medium is constantly monitored by a sensor that activates the heating pad underneath when necessary, in order to maintain an ideal temperature range for algae to thrive. The system also includes an air pump that automatically aerates the medium periodically throughout the day.
prototyping process
experiments
1. Testing the growth rates in controlled environment: Automated vs no automation, artificial lights vs natural light, and pH levels tests (spirulina adjusts the pH levels)
2. Testing harvesting methods
prototype 1.0
A working prototype of the entire system
prototype 2.0
First prototype of the product:
- An incubator disguised as a decor object with LED light on top, and the control board and heating pad on the bottom
- A removable growth container for easy harvesting
Material exploration : photosynthetic bioplastic
A year after building emerald, I used it to grow cyanobacteria as a part of my research and experimentation for my thesis project. This process allowed me to stress test the prototype and identify design improvements that could positively affect the user experience.
project slides
To learn more about this project, you can read the full process blog here.