Research: PC only ran through blue-green algae for six months

In biology class, everyone has probably seen something of the Photosynthesis in plants belongs and the important contribution to our environment. Now researchers at the University of Cambridge have succeeded in PC to operate for six months using photosynthesis.

This is how the environmentally friendly PC works using photosynthesis

First, the light reaction takes place, in which electromagnetic energy is absorbed in the form of light of a suitable wavelength. Thereafter, the conversion into chemical energy takes place through the transfer of electrons, which have been converted into an energetic state by means of the redox reaction. The last step is the light-independent reaction, in which the chemical energy is used to synthesize high-energy organic compounds, which are also used to produce energy. In other words, sunlight and CO₂ produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

Christopher Howe and his team built a jar out of aluminum and clear plastic the size of an AA battery. Inside, the team placed a colony of blue-green algae with the scientific name Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Exposure to sunlight stimulates photosynthesis, which supplies electricity to the anode and cathode. The device stood on Paolo Bombelli’s windowsill from February to August 2021 and during this period it continuously supplied electricity to operate a PC with an ARM chipset. The PC always ran for 45 minutes and simulated various arithmetic tasks, which required 0.3 microwatts of electricity. The construction continues to supply electricity continuously. It is still unclear how electricity generation via photosynthesis could be used in mass-produced devices. In the experimental setup, the generation of electricity through photosynthesis has already worked, now there are further steps to be taken.

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Photosynthetic Power Collection:

• As the University of Cambridge has determined, blue-green algae power a PC. A PC could be operated by means of photosynthesis for a period of six months.
• Christopher Howe and his team built a jar out of aluminum and clear plastic the size of an AA battery. A colony of blue-green algae is installed inside, which were stimulated to photosynthesize by the incidence of light.
• An ARM chipset with a consumption of 0.3 microwatts acted as the PC.

Sources: University of Cambridge, newscientist, Wikipedia