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bloom
Since the beginning of industrialization, scientists have
wondered how to generate electric energy in a sustainable way. In addition, mankind is dependent on power grids, while grid-independence is the way of the future. In 1939, German scientist Dr. Hans Gaffron discovered an alga capable of producing oxygen and hydrogen alternately. Based on Gaffron’s research, Prof. Melis discovered that this process gave rise to a sulfur derivative, a reaction caused by the enzyme hydrogenase. Further discoveries with modifications uncovered the possibility of producing large amounts of electricity in a fuel cell.
The ‘bloom’ project assumes that, in the near future, it
will be possible to produce enough electricity to meet
the needs of entire households. In particular, this would
benefit households in undeveloped areas and would
be invaluable in the aftermath of catastrophes. ‘Bloom’
operates as a closed ring with panels in which the alga
can circulate in water. The photosynthetic process is
induced with the aid of gases and sunlight. The panels
should be thin yet strong so that a large number of
algae can be exposed to light at the same time. Further
mechanical and chemical activities within the panels then
cause electricity to be generated. This energy can be
stored in fuel cells and converted into higher voltages.
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Finding of the Jury:
From the viewpoint of the Jury the project ‘bloom’
deserves special mention, because among other things
it refers to visionary research by Dr. Hans Gaffron and
later Prof. Anastasios Melis on generating renewable
electric energy based on biological reactions in algae.
Accordingly, the product semantics of ‘bloom – natural
energy’ harmoniously takes up the metaphor of a flower
expressing the natural and sustainable character of
the project. Still, the Jury would have appreciated more
detailed technical documentation along with closer
overall background information.
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