Algae-Powered Buildings : A Sustainable Solution for Urban Energy Needs in Urban Indian Areas
Raorane, Trupti (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025100325550
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025100325550
Tiivistelmä
This study explores the integration of algae-powered photobioreactor (PBR) facades into the Indian urban building context as a sustainable approach to rising energy demands, environmental issues and the current need for innovative green architectural solutions. The study focuses on algae-integrated facades. With an extensive review of the literature, laboratory-based studies, technical parameters and real-world applications, the study derives context-specific design guidelines suited to tropical climates.
The outcomes of the study highlight the suitability of species Chlorella sorokiniana, Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus subspicatus for steady thermal yield and high biomass outcome. Cities like Bengaluru, with moderate temperatures and abundant solar irradiance, hold the highest suitability for PBR integration, while others like New Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkata require material and maintenance modifications due to climatic variations.
The study investigates the environmental, technical and financial feasibility of PBR systems in India, which shows positive potential for future adoption of technology. On favorable terms with localized production and government subsidies, an ROI of 28% over 20 years is projected. Despite initial challenges of capital cost, system complexity, and lack of policies, algae facades offer significant long-term benefits in urban energy efficiency, air quality regulation, and educational exposure. The thesis concludes with pilot project recommendations, policy integration, incentives, and technical training necessary to enable greater implementation of algae-powered buildings as part of India's sustainable development plan.
The outcomes of the study highlight the suitability of species Chlorella sorokiniana, Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus subspicatus for steady thermal yield and high biomass outcome. Cities like Bengaluru, with moderate temperatures and abundant solar irradiance, hold the highest suitability for PBR integration, while others like New Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkata require material and maintenance modifications due to climatic variations.
The study investigates the environmental, technical and financial feasibility of PBR systems in India, which shows positive potential for future adoption of technology. On favorable terms with localized production and government subsidies, an ROI of 28% over 20 years is projected. Despite initial challenges of capital cost, system complexity, and lack of policies, algae facades offer significant long-term benefits in urban energy efficiency, air quality regulation, and educational exposure. The thesis concludes with pilot project recommendations, policy integration, incentives, and technical training necessary to enable greater implementation of algae-powered buildings as part of India's sustainable development plan.