Brief: Our assignment was to research and develop a product using an emerging technology. The technology I selected was transparent solar cells.
Solution: After further research, I discovered that there was an opportunity for innovation in the design of greenhouses using this technology. I designed and greenhouse that could survive independently within a harsh desert climate. The solar cells could be painted on the greenhouse walls and power a climate regulation system. The solar cells wouldn't inhibit the UV light necessary for plant growth and is durable enough to withstand the strong winds of the desert.
Diagram showing how energy generated from the walls would power the geothermal pump while blocking out infrared light, regulating the temperature during the day.
The system remains the same at night, only running on reserved energy and heating the interior at night.
cold air cycling through the inside of the greenhouse would need a fan.
