Written by TheJemReport Staff
Apr 22, 2010 at 01:36 PM

With a history of conducting dedicated research into aeronautical energy conversion devices, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has long been considered a leader in the development and application of renewable energy products and systems. One of the most recent energy conversion systems developed by NASA is a bioreactor which has become known as the OMEGA system, due to it being an offshore membrane enclosure for growing Algae. The OMEGA system has shown the capability to produce energy efficient and environmentally sustainable aeronautical quality oil through the use of algae. The development by NASA is set to assist the bio fuels industry in taking renewable energy to a new level and also assist in the process of water recycling and purification.

By using recyclable plastic bags, The OMEGA system relies upon forward-osmosis membranes which use waste water to harvest algae through a process of photosynthesis. The sun’s energy then allows the developing algae to extract carbon dioxide which is derived through atmospheric conditions and the nutrients that are found in the waste water. Through this process the algae grows and develops biomass and oxygen which is then able to be processed into a renewable energy source for use in the aeronautical industry. The process also has other benefits for the environment as the forward-osmosis actions cleanses the waste water and generates fresh water which can then be used in both commercial and individual arenas.

In recent years there has been much green activity in the use of algae for the development of renewable energy sources. The breakthrough by NASA has provided a device which not only assists with renewable energy but also provides a safe process for water to be recycled and placed back into the community. The groundbreaking green technology developed at NASA’s Ames Research Centre in California is also going to have benefits for the non government sector with NASA recently partnering with Algae Systems in Nevada so that the technology is not restricted for governmental use. The ability of green technologies to incorporate naturally formed algae into the renewable energy field is sure to see a continued refinement which will carry on assisting in reducing carbon emissions in a number of industries. The OMEGA system has shown itself to be one of the greatest green technology innovations developed through NASA which has multiple uses for both industry and the general community.