Plans for the conversion of Tonopah Valley to Algae Power. In short, no more oil. Proposed by Eli Coakley

Tonopah Valley High School has been interested in alternative forms of energy for many years. Anything that lowers the amount of oil consumption and or emissions in the air would greatly benefit the community and make payments cheaper for things like electricity. We might not have to worry as much as other schools or buildings, with getting energy from Palo Verde (which is known for cleaner emissions), but the schools funding is limited and any money saved can be put towards education. This is why I propose that we start to produce our own energy, using photo bioreactors and the power of algae!

This simple little organism called algae comes in many forms, and can be used in many ways. The ways of growing it vary, but the most controllable way is to use a photo bioreactor, a system of tubes and water that can produce large amounts of algae. It controls all the variables need for the algae, from the temperature to the ph balance, and just needs to be outside to get sunlight. Once the algae is made, you can harvest biofuel from the oil it creates or ferment the algae to create ethanol. To the right is a picture of a basic, industrial sized photobioreactor. For school use we would use something similar to this, but in a more appealing design.

The plans I propose involve the building of photo bioreactor sculptures, similar to the ones to the right. They would serve the same purpose with a more attractive and urban design. Of course, they would need maintenance on a daily basis, but such things just give out more jobs to the ones who need it. It could be built around the school to prevent cluttering and simple ones could be installed along walls. On these structures would look great in the courtyard.

NEEDED MATERIALS: Several tons of clear, thick glass or acrylic tubing, pre-shaped to needed design. Several tons of quarter inch thick steel pipes for structural support lbs. bags of Cement for base Building tools (tape measures, shovels, jackhammers, est..) Multiple CO2 pumps of industrial size Automatic plant feeders Temperature regulators PH regulators Oil Centrifuges Containers Total cost: Between $500,000 and 2 Million