The James Dyson Award is a global design competition for talented engineers from over 30 different countries around the world. This award is organized by the James Dyson Foundation, named after the extremely famous inventor and billionaire who founded the technology and home appliance company Dyson Ltd in the UK in 1991.
In the Global Sustainability category for 2020, the award was won by 27-year-old researcher Carvey Ehren Maigue from Mapua University in Manila, Philippines, thanks to his incredibly unique invention: AuREUS, a renewable energy system made from decaying flowers, roots, and fruits that can operate without sunlight. This bold and groundbreaking idea helped Carvey surpass over 1,800 other competitors to win the top prize.
What is AuREUS?
Carvey Ehren Maigue creates solar panels made from decaying vegetable matter that can function even without sunlight.
As mentioned earlier, AuREUS is a renewable energy system typically used as a shield for windows or walls of buildings. This new material is made from spoiled and decaying vegetables and fruits, with the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun and convert them into electrical energy.
The biggest difference compared to conventional solar panels is that AuREUS can operate effectively even when there is no sunlight or when it does not receive heat from the sun.
How is AuREUS Created?
In the spirit of the competition, AuREUS is also made from the most environmentally friendly materials.
According to Rappler, Carvey drew inspiration for his invention from the phenomenon of the aurora borealis and the northern lights. To put it simply, AuREUS uses particles from vegetables and fruits mixed in a plastic substrate. When exposed to sunlight, these particles absorb UV rays and emit light along the edges of the plastic sheet. This light is then captured and converted into electrical energy.
“The best thing about AuREUS is the utilization of discarded crops and fruits,” James Dyson personally shared, “But I am particularly impressed by Carvey’s bold idea and determination to bring this invention to life.”
Sir James Dyson praised Carvey’s idea.
With his victory, Carvey received a cash prize of $39,972 (over 912 million VND). He stated: “Winning the James Dyson Award is both a beginning and an end to a series of months of doubt about my idea and whether it fits the current reality. It also marks the start of the journey to bring AuREUS to the world.”
