Exploration in Using Algae to Enhance Indoor Environment in the Tropical Climate

Abstract

This paper discusses an exploration in algae application as a sun shading device for buildings. Four basic algae photobioreactors were constructed to investigate the effectiveness of Chlorella species to reduce direct sunlight transmission and solar heat gain in the Tropical climate of Kuala Lumpur. From the experiment, algae flat panel photobioreactor with direct carbon dioxide supply manage to reduce up to 44.9% of heat gain due to solar radiation on average. The overall solar transmission was also reduced to only 25% on average. These indicate that algae have the potential to be used as sun shading material for buildings.