Leef : interior design concept for a community car utilizing photosynthesis
Koskinen, Veena (2021)
Lataukset:
Koskinen, Veena
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202105108040
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202105108040
Tiivistelmä
This graduation work considers possibilities to use photosynthesis and its end products in the interior design of a vehicle. The future of photosynthesis technology and its possibilities are explored through interviews, and from literature.
The concept is for the 10 to 20 years into the future, where photosynthetically made reusable materials and fuel production could be operated on a bigger scale. At present the photosynthetic production technology only works at the laboratory scale. For it to be possible to use photosynthetic materials and fuels in vehicle interiors, the photosynthetic process must be modified to create desired end products more effectively and on a larger scale. However, in the future it could be possible to develop this technology to be more efficient on a smaller scale.
The concept is situated in Australia due to environmental factors like temperature and day light hours. A survey was used to collect information on Australian traffic and commuting habits. The survey was answered by 11 locals that live close to the largest cities of Australia. The survey revealed that in Australia the traveling distances are long, and the most common form of transportation is a car. Taxis and ride-share taxi services are frequently used when passengers are unable to drive for themselves or during the weekends when public transportations is not running. Because of the survey and a discussion with a local, decision was made to change the direction of the concept to a community car.
An interior design concept that uses multiple different ways to utilize photosynthesis and its end products was created. The concept includes a plant wall that generates energy from the Sun using plant-microbial fuel cell technology, PMFCs. The floor of the vehicle participates in the generation of energy through photosynthesis. Additionally, the interior consists of different materials the production of which used the end products of photosynthesis. The light intake of the interior has been a top priority to maximise the benefit of solar energy for the plants and organisms using photosynthesis. The shapes and colours of the interior design where strongly inspired by the nature and leaves of plants.
The concept is for the 10 to 20 years into the future, where photosynthetically made reusable materials and fuel production could be operated on a bigger scale. At present the photosynthetic production technology only works at the laboratory scale. For it to be possible to use photosynthetic materials and fuels in vehicle interiors, the photosynthetic process must be modified to create desired end products more effectively and on a larger scale. However, in the future it could be possible to develop this technology to be more efficient on a smaller scale.
The concept is situated in Australia due to environmental factors like temperature and day light hours. A survey was used to collect information on Australian traffic and commuting habits. The survey was answered by 11 locals that live close to the largest cities of Australia. The survey revealed that in Australia the traveling distances are long, and the most common form of transportation is a car. Taxis and ride-share taxi services are frequently used when passengers are unable to drive for themselves or during the weekends when public transportations is not running. Because of the survey and a discussion with a local, decision was made to change the direction of the concept to a community car.
An interior design concept that uses multiple different ways to utilize photosynthesis and its end products was created. The concept includes a plant wall that generates energy from the Sun using plant-microbial fuel cell technology, PMFCs. The floor of the vehicle participates in the generation of energy through photosynthesis. Additionally, the interior consists of different materials the production of which used the end products of photosynthesis. The light intake of the interior has been a top priority to maximise the benefit of solar energy for the plants and organisms using photosynthesis. The shapes and colours of the interior design where strongly inspired by the nature and leaves of plants.