For New Lamps, An Unlikely Energy Source: Gravity
By Colin Lecher, Popular Science, 12 December 2012.
By Colin Lecher, Popular Science, 12 December 2012.
Kerosene lamps used in off-grid, rural areas are a major problem. They're bad for people's health and the environment's. One start-up's solution is to tap another, greener resource, something we all have in abundance: gravity.
Source: Vimeo/Video screen capture (via Treehugger)
Lift the weight and let gravity do the rest (via Indiegogo).
The invention, GravityLight, does exactly what the name suggests: It keeps a light going through the power of gravity. As an attached weight falls, it pulls a cord through the centre of the light, powering a dynamo. That dynamo converts the energy from the falling weight into power for the light. (It's the same idea as a hand-cranked device, just more vertical.) The weight can be set in a few seconds, and as it slowly reaches Earth, enough energy is generated to keep a light working for 30 minutes. As long as it's set every 30 minutes, it makes for a green, battery-free, continuous stream of light. Other, similar devices like battery chargers could be used through the same process, too.
Final prototype with ballast bag and bits (via Indiegogo).
LED bulbs do not attract mosquitos like conventional bulbs (via Indiegogo).
The inventors say the gadgets can be sold now for less than US$10, which would make a return on investment for owners three months after dumping kerosene lighting. And speaking of investments, the group has already shattered the goal for its Indiegogo campaign, meaning we'll hopefully see these in action soon.
Hang it in the shed or make it into a great porch light, you can clip on a hanging basket
or anything weighing about 20lbs (via Indiegogo).
or anything weighing about 20lbs (via Indiegogo).
No batteries to drain or replace (via Indiegogo).
Video:
Top image: Source: Vimeo/Video screen capture
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