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ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Algae Windows: A Novel Approach Towards
Sustainable Building Design and Energy
Conservation
1
Faculty of Mechanical - Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Technology, Van Lang University,
Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
2
Faculty of Law, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
3
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li 32003, Taiwan
4
Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute,
Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam-603103, Tamil Nadu, India
5
Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Submission date: 2024-02-25
Final revision date: 2024-03-18
Acceptance date: 2024-05-14
Online publication date: 2024-09-02
Publication date: 2025-01-28
Corresponding author
Ha Manh Bui
Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, 273 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2025;34(3):3243-3255
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study introduces an innovative approach, harnessing photobioreactors (PBRs) as algae
windows to optimize energy efficiency and environmental protection in building design. The integration
of microalgae cultivation systems into windows presents a promising avenue for multifaceted benefits,
encompassing energy savings, improved indoor daylight levels, hot water production, and carbon
sequestration. This research work presents a comprehensive exploration of this cutting-edge concept
by employing simulations and analyses. It delves into various facets, including energy performance,
cooling loads, daylight distribution, and hot water generation. The model room equipped with algae
windows demonstrates substantial reductions in cooling energy consumption due to the shading
effect of the algae. The daylight analysis underscores how algae windows can effectively illuminate
spaces while minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Furthermore, the study reveals the potential
for these windows to harness solar energy for hot water production, offering a dual-purpose solution.
Despite the promise, this work acknowledges the existing challenges associated with technology
adoption, encompassing technical, economic, and regulatory barriers. It underscores the critical role of
governments in promoting favorable regulations, incentivizing investments, and raising public awareness
to accelerate the uptake of algae windows. Algae windows present a holistic solution by simultaneously
mitigating energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and improving indoor environments.
This research serves as a foundation for future studies, encouraging further investigations into
the viability and scalability of algae-integrated building systems.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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| eISSN: | 2083-5906 |
| ISSN: | 1230-1485 |
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