GravityLight has been designed specifically for developing countries, in which 1.5 billion people do not have safe access to the power grid.
GravityLight is perhaps one of the most interesting products from Deciwatt, an organisation based on the research and development of sustainable low-power electrical devices. What makes this lighting device unique is its ability to generate energy using the force of gravity.
This sustainable lighting device was conceived as a way to generate electric light in developing countries where the lack of electrical infrastructure requires fossil fuels to be used as an energy source. But these lamps, which are generally powered by kerosene, generate a high degree of pollution and pose a high risk of accidents due to their flammability. These disadvantages make these lighting systems dangerous and environmentally unsustainable.
Today, more than 1.5 billion people – approximately 21% of the world’s population – do not have safe access to the power grid. GravityLight is the product of a detailed study of this situation and the search for an autonomous and sustainable device that provides a solution in situations in which no energy source is available. This lighting device consists of a lamp that uses a system of pulleys to generate light, using just the force of gravity. Since it acts as a dynamo, it can be used continuously and at any time, without the need for batteries or other operating costs.
This project was made possible thanks to contributions by customers and supporters of the initiative through the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. With an initial budget of 55,000 dollars, it has raised 399,560 dollars since November 2012, thanks to this system of micro-sponsorship.
Deciwatt is currently in the production phase and there are plans to begin the testing process soon with the first version of this interesting device. The creator’s plan is to send the preliminary versions to different locations in Africa and India to test their functioniong, confirm that they adapt suitably to the environment and verify that the power generated by the pulley system is sufficient for users. Using the data collected in situ, the Deciwatt researchers will correct any defects and will launch a second, improved version of GravityLight.
The creators estimate that this lamp that generates electricity using the force of gravity will be mass-produced in the near future with an approximate price of 5 dollars per unit. Interesting initiatives like this one represent an economical and sustainable way to bring light to places where the simple act of flipping a switch is pure utopia.
Images | via Indiegogo
