This computer powered by blue algae has been running non-stop for six months

When most people think of blue-green algae, they think of smelly foam and rampant "green tides".

(The picture is disturbing and has been automatically blocked)

But who would have thought that the blue algae, which was despised by people, has now been used by scientists to create a new world -

A research team from the University of Cambridge, the University of Milan and ARM and their collaborators used small containers filled with blue-green algae to continuously power an ARM microprocessor (ARM Cortex-M0+) for 6 months, and the power generation continued 6 months after the end of the experiment.

Figure | A container filled with cyanobacteria can power a computer (Source: New Scientist)

It is understood that these small containers that can generate electricity are only the size of AA batteries (No. 5 batteries) and are made of aluminum metal and transparent plastic. The cyanobacteria in the small containers provide continuous power for the computer through photosynthesis.

The related research paper, titled “Powering a microprocessor by photosynthesis,” was published in the scientific journal Energy & Environmental Science.

According to the paper, similar photosynthesis generators may one day be able to cheaply power a range of small devices without the need for scarce and unsustainable materials.

So, the question is, will computer devices in the future be able to generate their own electricity?

The power from blue algae!

Paolo Bombelli, co-first author of the research paper, placed these small generators on the windowsills of his home between February and August 2021, and worked with the research team to study the power generation mechanism of cyanobacteria through a series of experiments.

The computer simulated the computational workload by calculating the sum of consecutive integers over a 45-minute cycle, requiring 0.3 microwatts of power, while standing by for 15 minutes required 0.24 microwatts of power.

The computer then stores the measured output current values ​​in the cloud for analysis by the research team.

The research team initially speculated that there may be two sources of power for the computer: either the cyanobacteria themselves generate electrons and thus generate electric current, or the cyanobacteria create reaction conditions to corrode the aluminum anode in the container, thereby generating electrons.

Figure｜Schematic diagram

However, the aluminum anode did not show any obvious signs of degradation or corrosion, so the research team concluded that the blue algae generated most of the current.

In addition, because cyanobacteria can store energy during photosynthesis during the day, the researchers believe that this power capacitor filled with cyanobacteria can continue to generate electricity at night.

Just one small step

Although the research team has successfully taken the first step in this experiment, they believe that further research is needed if cyanobacteria power generation is to be used on a larger scale.

"At this stage, installing a (cyanobacteria generator) on your roof will not provide (enough) electricity for your house. We still have a lot of research to do," said CJ Howe, the paper's corresponding author.

However, the research team also said that this technology could be used in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries, such as charging mobile phones or in environmental sensors, as these devices do not require much power.

Although this power generation system is just a proof of concept, the research team hopes that this sustainable, affordable and decentralized source of electricity can provide enough power for electronic devices within the Internet of Things in the future.

The advantage of using algae over traditional batteries or solar power is that it has a lower impact on the environment and has the potential to provide continuous electricity.

Imagine a day in the future when giant floating "lily pads" are covered with algae and serve as mobile power stations next to offshore wind farms.

References:

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/ee/d2ee00233g

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2319584-computer-powered-by-colony-of-blue-green-algae-has-run-for-six-months/