Source: inhabitat.com
Published: July 18, 2014
by Lori Zimmer
Pacific Domes has already installed a BioEnergy Dome that helps feed and supply energy to the residents of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Naatani, Arizona. The interior hosts a fresh pond, which provides water to a multitude of plant trays stacked throughout the dome. Each day, the dome farm produces around 11 lbs of fresh, organic, chemical-free produce.
The pond is thick with duckweed and algae, which feeds the fish within. Since algae have incredible filtering properties, the entire system is self-cleaning, and therefore chemical-free. The fish produced are clean, organic, and plentiful – the dome produces around 100-150 pounds of fish each year. The algae in the pond can alternatively be used to treat greywater instead of for farming, removing contaminants from laundry, dishwashing and other household processes.
Aside from producing vegetables, the domes produce plants that are converted into energy using a methane digester. The methane is then converted into kilowatt energy, which can be used to power a generator. Duckweed and algae also harness solar energy, converting it to biofuel. The dome can create enough bio-fuel to power one home each day.
Because the domes are so aerodynamic, wind harvesting is easy as well – the domes are a true powerhouse of sustainable design. The domes can also be used for events, overnight retreats, or meetings – and can be constructed virtually anywhere.