Earlier, most of the teenagers were not even in touch with words like “invention” and “innovation.” However, apparently, it is now the New Age mantra rightly proved by 15-year-old Javier Fernandez-Han. Javier has invented a complete algae energy system named Versatile. The main aim of his innovation, which has fetched him Ashoka’s Invent World Challenge award, is to meet the basic needs of the world’s poor.
The system comprises 12 technologies in six subsystems, which has the potential to treat waste, produce methane and bio-fuel, and is a source of livestock and human food production. In addition to this, it also generates oxygen, restores greenhouse gases and can be very beneficial to save the environment. The best part of this system is that it takes the waste from one part and uses it for another.
The complete working of the Versatile system:
The advantages:
• Improves health of the villagers due to cleaner burning of methane stoves
• Less deforestation due to the wood scavenged for fuel
• Increase in livestock production because of the availability of feed
• Increase in income from the sale of algae biomass for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products
• LED is powered through the electricity generated from the PlayPump
• The algae oil produced helps to power the machinery
Javier says the system is flexible enough to adjust as per the requirement of the population ranging above or below 200,000. He is developing other family-sized system that can be fit in small houses and will cost around $300.
Javier is not the only one leading the New Age green geeks’ revolution. There are others too trying to carve out their niche. Let’s meet a few of them here:
• William Yuan
Solar cell: A 12-year-oldboy in Beaverton has invented a 3D solar cell and has found a solution to meet the energy crisis. Motivated by his science teacher, the boy created a cell that has the capacity to absorb visible UV light. The 3D cell will help to produce nine times more sunlight and can absorb 10% more energy from the sun even if the weather is cloudy.
• Andrew Angelloti
Converts old pick up truck into electric: A 16-year-old boy has transformed his 1988 Mazda pickup truck into an EV mod. The cost required to convert the vehicle was $6,000, but the best part was, he has not borrowed the money from anyone but has saved from his part-time job as a lifeguard. According to Andrew, the truck can reach a speed of 55 mph and can go up to 40 miles without a charge. The vehicle is equipped with 20 lead-acid batteries of 120V, and a 60 HP 9-inch electric motor.
• Maruf Karimov
Air powered perpetual car engine: A 15-year-old student in Uzbekistan has invented a car that runs on an eco-friendly fuel that is the most abundant in nature, i.e. air. With the help of air pressure, the student managed to start a conventional internal combustion engine and the air passes into the engine from a special tank, which is filled with air under high pressure. As the car moves, the tank automatically is refueled giving it perpetual motion.
• Ben Gulak and Jason Morrow
Electric unicycle: Two teens from Ontario have developed an electric vehicle tango that resembles a motorcycle. The environmentally-friendly bike is designed as a Yamaha R6 sport bike, producing zero emissions. It has a speed of 40 mph, giving the rider the same experience as if he were riding a motorcycle. Accelometer technology is equipped within the bike to keep its balance.
