Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for growing filamentous algae are disclosed. An apparatus comprises vertical surfaces such as plates or tubes which are suspended above the fill line of a water tank. Surfaces can have a frosted texture for algal growth. The surfaces are kept moist by pumping water from the tank through spray bars to the surfaces. Sprayed water drips back into the water tank. Algae growing on a surface can be processed into products such as biofuel and glycerin. Aquatic animals such as fish can be grown in a tank. An aquatic animal can generate nitrogenous waste as nutrient for algae, and provide food for human consumption. The amount of harvestable algae produced by an apparatus can exceed the amount produced from other systems of comparable size over comparable durations. An apparatus can also be utilized to scrub CO2.

Abstract: A thermally efficient integrated greenhouse system in which thermally insulated walls support an arcuate transparent roof having the configuration of an arc of a quarter-circle with the long axis of the structure oriented in an east-west direction with the inner surface of the north wall reflective. A thermal barrier made up of a plurality of interconnected tubes of metalized plastic is provided with means for inflating the tubes to extend the barrier along a chord of the arcuate roof and with means for exhausting the tubes to retract the barrier. Solar panels along the south side of the greenhouse supply heat to a heat storage medium contained in a bin in the greenhouse. When heat is called for, a plenum in the bin above the heat storage medium is pressurized to lift the bin lid.