Design, Additive Fabrication, and Prototype Validation of 3D-Printed PETG Microalgal Curtain- Wall Modules with Embedded Control
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Building-integrated photobioreactors require façade components that reconcile geometric adaptability, manufacturability, liquid containment, modularity, and operational monitoring. This study develops a 3D-printed PETG microalgal curtain-wall module integrating parametric design, additive fabrication, embedded sensing, and prototype operation. Nine Rhino/Grasshopper-generated variants (150 × 150 mm) exhibited closed-mesh areas of 707.0–729.4 cm² and predicted filament demand of 29.75–30.54 g (CV 0.87%). Recorded printing times ranged from 100 to 125 min (CV 7.87%). A continuous single-wall spiral-vase strategy enabled transparent reactor prototypes for liquid filling and circulation. An STM32-based system provided multi-source sensing and rule-based pump actuation. Prototype tests showed liquid containment, pump-driven circulation with Spirulina (Arthrospira) culture medium, and preliminary multi-module assembly. The results establish the prototype-level building-engineering feasibility of additively manufactured bio-reactive curtain-wall modules while identifying the requirements for future façade-scale performance validation.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Jiangsu Urban and Rural Construction College, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China Construction Eighth Engineering Division (China), University College London, Columbia University, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, RMIT University
Language: English
Subfield: Architecture
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225584804