Solar Ivy
There are untapped energy sources all around, but the only energy source that adds to the earth's system is the sun. Plants are the best exploiters of this resource, and effectively power the biosphere, and, through their fossilised remains, us. They store energy in stable forms as carbohydrate and sugars, and through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, nitrates.
The only practical domestic surfaces in London with enough area exposed to the sunlight to usefully produce power are walls and roofs, any design we create has to fit into that context, appeal to people living in these houses, be unobtrusive, or better, natural and beautiful if it is to be successful in the mass market - and it is in the inefficient power use of existing housing that the biggest problem lies, not new structures.
Scavenging means making use of what others ignore, and we aim to follow this mantra, exploiting energy sources by alternate means.
Solution
Solar Ivy is a DIY kit that harnesses the energy of the sun, storing that energy as liquid ammonia, this system avoids the difficulties of storing hydrogen gas. Two types of panels are used, some planted with seeds to become a hydroponic fed ivy that grows to cover the wall of the building. This ivy fixes nitrogen, which is converted into ammonia and filtered from the system . The other cells mimic this system using a solar array to gather energy for the process, providing power as soon as the system is installed. As the efficiency of these cells declines over the years, the bio-system takes over, contributing more ammonia to the system.
