Jan 4, 2013

Gravity Light-Awesome




Kerosene lamps used in off-grid, rural areas are a major problem. They're bad for people's health and the environment's. One startup's solution is to tap another, greener resource, something we all have in abundance: gravity.

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 center 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.

The inventors say the gadgets can be sold now for less than $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.

4 comments:

  1. My mind goes to the old shore to ship transmitters used to communicate to our anchored ship from shore patrol HQ. With one guy turning the crank for the generator. 30 minutes of light is AWESOME at one drop.
    Love the innovations you present. A real enjoyment to see the advancements that are other wise, unknown to me.

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  2. I saw this on Indiegogo and was amazed...I want one for camping, let along for what it can do for those in poor areas where buying fuel for light means less money for food let alone the safety factor.

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  3. They should sell these here! I sure could use one in my hurricane kit - and if it can generate power to charge a cell phone I need many!

    I'm surprised that it would take three months to use $10 worth of kerosene. A gallon here costs abut $4.

    I will be reposting this with full credit!

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