Can we live on sustainable energy with oxygen being generated by algae and power by a bicycle? The answer seems no, but it’s actually affirmative! Science hobbyist Lloyd Godson has shown the world that humans can live in a sustainable apartment without any contact with the outer world. He has spent 13 days in a 8-by-10 foot underwater apartment at the bottom of a lake near Albury, Australia that would give off enough oxygen to run his biological systems.
The stay was a part of an experiment funded by Australian Geographic magazine. Godson also wanted to learn more about sustainable living in a closed ecological system. The submarine in which Godson was living was mostly crafted from recycled scrap metal welded together to keep it water-tight. The most important system inside the sub was a ‘biocoil’ full of water and algae that helped absorb carbon dioxide and supply oxygen.
Other instruments inside the sub were – a two-ton container made from recycled-steel box, a biocoil, dive compressors that were Godson’s primary source of oxygen, and a modified exercise bike that powers laptop and the biocoil pump. Godson also drew power from onshore methane fuel cells and solar panels. The last of the instruments was an Air Monitor that is a waterproof gas-detection device monitors oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Via: Popsci
