05/02/2025
In a remarkable achievement, Carvey Ehren Maigue, a student at Mapua University in the Philippines, invented the AuREUS (Aurora Renewable Energy & UV Sequestration) system. This innovative technology uses luminescent particles from fruit and vegetable waste to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and convert it into visible light, which is then captured by photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. AuREUS panels do not rely on direct sunlight, making them effective even on cloudy days or when not facing the sun. This ability to generate electricity in various light conditions positions AuREUS as a groundbreaking solution for urban environments and regions with less sunlight.
The technology behind AuREUS is based on the unique properties of luminescent particles found in fruits and vegetables. These particles can absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible light, which photovoltaic cells can capture to generate electricity. When UV light hits these particles, they absorb and re-release visible light due to internal reflectance. Photovoltaic cells placed at the edges of the panels capture the released light and transform it into direct current (DC) electricity. The regulating circuits can then process this output for direct use, charging batteries, or storage.
Winning the James Dyson Award for Sustainability in 2020 brought significant attention to Maigue's work and highlighted the potential of AuREUS technology. The award, known for recognizing innovative solutions to global challenges, underscores the viability and impact of this invention. By upcycling agricultural waste into renewable energy, AuREUS addresses both food waste and energy sustainability issues, supporting climate change mitigation and promoting local agriculture.
Traditional solar panels require direct sunlight to operate efficiently, limiting their effectiveness in urban areas or regions with variable weather conditions. AuREUS panels overcome this limitation by harnessing UV light, which is present even when sunlight is not direct. This feature enables the creation of vertical solar farms, making efficient use of limited space in densely populated areas.
Furthermore, AuREUS technology offers a sustainable solution to the global food waste problem. According to a 2021 report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Tesco, global food waste amounts to 1.2 billion tonnes annually. By using fruit and vegetable waste, AuREUS contributes to reducing this staggering amount of waste and supports efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Carvey Ehren Maigue's AuREUS system exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing pressing global challenges. By combining renewable energy with food waste upcycling, this technology presents a multifaceted solution that can significantly impact urban energy generation and sustainability efforts. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and resource scarcity, innovations like AuREUS are critical in paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Lele Bale, Vacation Home Rental, Villa Dolores, Sta. Cruz, Pampanga, Mexico.
