Thermal and energy performance of algae bioreactive facades: A review

Algae convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into oxygen, heat, and biomass. The integration of microalgae, as a photobioreactor-based source of biofuel, with buildings, has the potential to transform high-performance architecture. This article will review the state-of-the-art knowledge on microalgae bioreactive facades, provide a survey of previous studies regarding the performance of these innovative facade systems, present the status quo and identify the gaps in theory and applications of these systems. We also compare microalgae bioreactive facades with green walls and double skin facades (DSF) and discuss these systems from thermal, shading, and natural ventilation perspectives. Finally, the performance of microalgae facades as solar thermal collectors is discussed and some recommendations for future research are presented.