definition
strict definition
bioreactor
Panels or containers holding a biologically active environment for energy production or carbon dioxide reduction.
A bioreactor is a controlled enclosed environment holding live algae or other very small organisms. These are sometimes installed on building exteriors to reduce carbon dioxide and to create heat energy. They typically consist of clear panels which become translucent green when filled with algae.
Bioreactor panels can also be positioned to serve as sunshades.
The enclosed environment contains live microorganisms under controlled conditions. The panels can have a second shading function, but a tinted facade panel without that biological environment is not a bioreactor.
Related definitions
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carbon neutrality
A building whose net carbon emissions from energy use are zero or less, with fossil-energy emissions offset by clean-energy surplus. -
double glazing
At least 80 percent of exterior-facing windows have two or more glass layers, including triple glazing. -
electric car charger
A station where drivers can recharge the batteries of electricity-powered automobiles. -
green roof
An extensive area of live planting covering most of a building's roof plane as an environmental feature. -
green wall
A building or structure facade designed to accommodate substantial living plant growth. -
heat recovery ventilation
A system which saves energy by using a counter-flow heat exchanger at the point of ventilation. -
lighting control system
An automatic system which optimizes lighting usage throughout a building or structure. -
photovoltaic panels
Panels installed on or by a structure which harness solar power and convert it to electricity. -
rainwater recycling
A system collecting rainwater from a structure or its grounds and routing it for use within the building. -
solar water heating
A system using solar radiation directly to heat water, usually with supplemental conventional water heating. -
sunshading
Projecting features in a facade which reduce the amount of sunlight entering windows. -
wind turbines
Energy-producing devices affixed to a structure or its grounds, which convert wind energy into power.