Liter of Light Project Proposal
Liter of Light Project Proposal
Liter of Light Project Proposal
Midterm Requirement
Part 1: Research
Theme: SUSTAINABILITY
Example No. 1: “Solar Bottle Bulb”
Goals of the Work:
Liter of Light is enhancing the quality of life for thousands of underprivileged families in
the Philippines who lack access to electricity and rely on hazardous kerosene lamps indoors,
which emit pollution, provide insufficient lighting, and can start fires and cause respiratory
problems. Because of the solar bottle lamps, residents can complete their tasks and activities
more quickly inside a brighter atmosphere. Affordable lighting not only improves the living
conditions of poor rural and urban households, but it also allows children to read and do their
homework at home.
Local government officials were unable to afford to light up their streets because of the
high cost of power. This was made possible by the project's reasonably priced solar bottle
streetlamps ($60 apiece), which solved security concerns while also enhancing neighborhood
perceptions and attractiveness to the general public. To address the lack of energy supply in their
towns and cities, many mayors around the nation have also backed the launch of regional social
enterprises using the project's solar street lights and house light kits.
costing both money and carbon dioxide emissions There is a lot of light (let's say a 20-watt CFL
or a 55-watt incandescent).
While conventional windows can easily leak or fracture during typhoon season or other
extreme weather, this cutting-edge light bulb sends even more light inside while saving money
and energy for low-income Manila residents. By drastically reducing plastic waste, the bulbs not
only enhance the quality of life for families but also the future and health of the ecosystem.
Around the world, informal settlements are home to hundreds of millions of people. As a
result of the lack of windows and proper lighting in many of these homes, people frequently use
kerosene, candles, or creative wiring to create light, endangering their health and safety in the
process, or they simply do without. In most cases, proper electricity is not an option, particularly
in the Philippines, where 20 million Filipinos (or 25% of the population) live in poverty. Due to
obsolete power facilities, the Philippines has Asia's highest electricity prices and the most
frequent blackouts.
The country is also vulnerable to severe weather, which can harm infrastructure and
result in fatalities as well as damage to property.
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most potent tropical cyclones ever recorded, hit in November
2013 and made millions of people even poorer. 14 million homes were destroyed. The project
has aided in the recovery of typhoon-affected areas by providing training to local partners and
small business owners as well as solar bottle night light kits (for homes and streets).
Millions of people living without electricity may use a one-liter plastic bottle filled with
filtered water and bleach as a light bulb. The MyShelter Foundation is currently distributing the
"solar bottle bulb," which was built by MIT students. The organization hopes to deploy this
alternate lighting to brighten one million homes across the country by 2012.
Holes are cut into the metal roofs of houses, and a bottle is inserted and sealed into each
hole so that its bottom half protrudes from the ceiling, making the water bottles "light up."
According to the MyShelter Foundation, the clear water's ability to scatter light in all directions
through refraction can produce illumination comparable to a 55-watt electric light bulb. The
bleach stops the growth of mold, allowing the bulbs to endure up to five years.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
Although the first solar bottle bulb was created in Brazil in 2002, no one knew about it
until the MyShelter Foundation in the Philippines became interested in the concept and
collaborated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology students to announce it to the world in
2006. (Wang et al., 2013). The project is known as "A Liter of Light" or "Isang Litrong
Liwanag" in the local language. The project serves as a low-carbon, environmentally beneficial
replacement for kerosene and incandescent light bulbs used during the day. This project intends
to provide eco-friendly solar bottle bulbs to underprivileged communities worldwide so they can
light their houses. It is a sustainable lighting project.
The technique avoids the need for labor- and energy-intensive operations required in
acquiring, producing, and shipping new bottles by using materials that are easily accessible, like
plastic bottles. The lives of the poor are significantly improved by this environmentally friendly
bulb, despite the fact that it can only provide daylight during the day. This is because it saves
money because the material it is made of is inexpensive, easy to find, simple to install, and, most
importantly, sustainable and environmentally friendly. This bulb also makes the house a safer
place to live by reducing the possibility of a tragic fire occurrence brought on by the use of
candles or potentially dangerous electrical connections that could cause destruction and
explosion.
In 2011, Liter of Light was launched in one home with one carpenter, one solar bottle
lamp, and one paid installation. Within a few months, the project had installed 15,000 solar bottle
bulbs in 20 cities in the Philippines and was starting to inspire similar projects throughout the
globe. More than 145,000 installations have been completed so far in 100 Philippine cities.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
With its straightforward lighting technology, local communities are strengthened, and
local jobs are created. By installing the solar bottles, residents can save $10 a month on their
electricity bills. With the money they save, they can upgrade to the $10 night bulb, which will
enable them to reduce their electricity usage even more. As a result, they are able to spend more
of their discretionary income on pressing necessities.
The project's innovative use of inexpensive, dependable, and easily accessible materials
to create high-quality illumination gives the urban poor access to a long-lasting, reasonably
priced alternative to electric light for usage both during the day and at night.
Liter of Light offers enough initial materials and volunteers to spark interest, but its main
objective is to teach a community how to make and install the solar bottle bulbs in order to foster
the development of eco-friendly microbusinesses.
The project has evolved from lighting up 160,000 houses in the Philippines to offering
solar lights to communities all around the world by embracing social media and the open-source
technology ethos.
Societal Impact:
● Economical
In 2011, Liter of Light was launched in one home with one carpenter, one solar bottle
lamp, and one paid installation. Within a few months, the project had installed 15,000 solar bottle
bulbs in 20 cities in the Philippines and was starting to inspire similar projects throughout the
globe. More than 145,000 installations have been completed so far in 100 Philippine cities.
By installing the solar bottles, residents can save $10 a month on their electricity bills.
With the money they save, they can upgrade to the $10 night bulb, which will enable them to
reduce their electricity usage even more. As a result, they are able to spend more of their
discretionary income on pressing necessities.
● Environmental
by recycling and upcycling used 1.5- to 2-liter plastic bottles into lighting systems. The solar
bottle daylight bulb can last up to five years before needing to be replaced and emits 55 watts of
light through sun refraction. Just enough distilled water and a small amount of bleach are
required to fill the bottle and prevent mold.
Compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights, the LED bulbs used in the night
lighting system offer a longer lifespan and greater energy efficiency.
Each daytime bulb reduces carbon emissions by 200 kilograms annually, while each
nightlight bulb reduces carbon emissions by 350 kilograms annually. Compared to a kerosene
lamp, which releases 20 times more black carbon and burns fuel with a black carbon conversion
rate of 7–9% (black carbon is known to be a very powerful absorber of sunlight, far more than
carbon dioxide).
● Personal/Society
Electricity is currently produced in Libya using fossil fuels to meet the demand of the
local electricity market. Energy demand will skyrocket in the near future. Increased energy
demand will lead to increased consumption of oil and gas in Libya. Furthermore, CO2 emissions
will skyrocket. As a result, Libya should develop an urgent plan to meet some of its load
requirements using alternative energy sources. Street lighting, for example, accounts for
approximately 20% of total electricity consumption. Libya's street lighting system is powered by
the power grid and uses high-pressure sodium lamps. The wattage of the lamp ranges from 250
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
to 400. We propose replacing traditional street lighting with a solar-powered LED (light-emitting
diode) lighting system as the country struggles to meet its electricity demands.
Solar-powered LED street lights are currently considered inefficient and expensive.
Everything will be more expensive as a result, particularly PV and batteries. Furthermore, the
size and weight of the system on the structure influence the structure that holds the LED lamps.
Sensing devices can be used to reduce the size of a solar power system, reducing power losses
between generation and load demand. A smaller system size and a simpler mounting structure
save money.
The paper looks into the viability of a solar-powered LED lighting system as a new
technology for dealing with Libya's current energy crisis. The paper starts with an overview of
Libya's current energy situation. After that, the potential of solar energy in Libya is briefly
examined. Solar energy is proposed to replace the traditional lighting system, which is widely
used in Libya, depending on the current energy situation. A 4-kilometer-long street is chosen as a
case study. Both the grid-powered high-pressure sodium lamp street lighting system and the
solar-powered LED street lighting system are under consideration. These alternatives' capital
costs, maintenance costs, total costs, fuel costs, and CO2 emissions are compared. Finally, the
findings of the study and recommendations to the GECOL are presented.
The study employs a methodical approach that entails meticulously researching the load
requirement for Kg. Gentisan's Masjid Solar Powered Street Light. The light intensity of the
LED lamp is adjusted by sensors that detect human or other large object movement. This will
increase the system's energy efficiency while decreasing the cost of the street lights. The research
is being conducted in the following phases:
It was presented as a proposed algorithm for controlling the intensity of LED lighting.
The new load profile was processed using the proposed algorithm. The new load profile was
used to design a new solar-powered LED street light. The solar panel has a power rating of 180
watts, and the batteries are 8 x 6 volts (10 ah). The system was intended to run for 38.6 hours.
The results are compared to current solar-powered LED street lights and mercury-vapor street
lights. An economic analysis was also conducted over a 25-year period to determine the cost
effectiveness of the new system, which has a life cycle cost of RM 11,143.00 compared to the
existing conventional design's life cycle cost of RM 13,626.00, representing an 18.22% cost
savings.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
Societal Impact:
● Economical
Solar street LED lights can now provide dependable, high-quality lighting in both
developing and developed countries, alleviating light poverty and the economic and
environmental costs associated with electric outdoor lighting. Over the last five years, rapid
technological innovation and dramatic price reductions in LED, PV module, and battery
components have accelerated the global adoption of solar-powered LED street lights.
● Environmental
Solar street lights are an environmentalist's dream come true because they have the
potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of individuals, homes, and businesses all
over the world. Solar-powered lights, on the other hand, are a great way to go green with your
lighting. When capital, operating, and maintenance costs are taken into account, solar street
lights are a better investment than traditional street lights.
Solar street lights are environmentally friendly because their panels are solely powered
by the sun, eliminating your carbon footprint. Some components of solar street lighting systems
can be easily transported to remote areas, making these lighting solutions more efficient and
convenient.
● Personal/Society
Solar lighting of high quality improves citizens' perceptions of the city. It helps to
improve the readability of public spaces, making them more accessible and welcoming. It acts as
a catalyst for social cohesion, strengthening ties and allowing individuals to engage in social and
recreational activities throughout the evening. Solar street lights installed on a city's main roads,
streets, and other public places improve accessibility, assist businesses, and strengthen social ties.
Additionally, in more remote areas, these lighting solutions help to reduce insecurity, theft, and
assaults. They are especially effective in sensitive areas such as refugee camps, where a lack of
lighting leads to serious crime. Replacing oil or kerosene lighting systems with solar-powered
solutions also helps to create a healthier environment, which benefits the health and well-being
of the community. Streetlights increase visibility, promote road safety for drivers and pedestrians,
and deter theft and violence.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
Part 2: Design
● Design ideas:
o Type of solution:
During the day, the solar bottle bulb is a promising solution in dark areas.
There are houses that require light from early morning until before sundown just
to do chores. This machine, however, is not without flaws. It is inoperable at night
because it requires sunlight to reflect. However, the modification process is
primarily concerned with how the structure will be strengthened in order to
achieve the stability and integrity of the future product. As a result, the group
decided to demonstrate and/or provide solutions using CAD development
software, as well as describe its possible materials.
o 3-5 Design alternatives:
Following several discussions and evaluations of possible product
innovations, the group concluded by presenting three (3) simple but innovative
processes for the new flavor of the solar bottle bulb. The following designs, along
with their descriptions, are shown below:
We can make a tremendous difference even in small but inventive ways, such as lending
assistance in rural or urban areas. Because I believe that the true foundation for making a product
does not depend on its quantity or the beauty of its design. Accordingly, we will require a
1.5-liter bottle with water and laundry bleach (Zonrox) to make this product, as these are
essential for absorbing energy or light when the sun is shining brightly. Next, if it is possible to
place the bottle on the roof of a house, the roof’s yero will act as its support system to keep it
from falling. In addition, cut metal scraps will help to increase the bottle’s grip on the roof.
Lastly, the elastoseal will also be used to seal the roof of the bottle light bulb. When the product
is finished, it will benefit those who use electricity most frequently and reduce its usage.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
Two solar bottle bulbs, a piece of wood, and a piece of roof with two holes at each
almost-end side are used in this design. The bottle will function as a light bulb by fusing water
and bleach. The roof will serve as the primary holder for the bottle, while the wood or plank is
placed beneath the roof to provide additional support to the bulb and strengthen the structure.
Four (4) corners of the roof will be screwed together with the wood or plank to ensure its
stability. Two bottle bulbs were used in the design to produce more light and generate strong
luminance in the specified area.
The following components will be required for this product: a recycled bottle, a piece of
wood or metal, and a solar light. When it strikes the light reflection, the recycled bottle will then
be supported by a piece of wood or metal using roof sealant (Elastoseal) so that it won’t keep
falling. Finally, the solar light will act as a lightning at night while it can be charged during the
day because of the energy that comes from the sun. You will place the solar light inside a bottle
to protect it from damage and rain. Overall, this product is great for our own homes that require a
light source every day because it can be used during the day or night. The product will differ
from the bottle light bulb we are accustomed to because it will be useful at night due to its solar
light.
Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0139 local 2248
E-mail Address: [email protected] | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph
o Best Design
The group agreed that design alternative 2, the double lock model, is the
best. Since some solar bottle bulbs are simply attached to the roof and
strengthened with roof sealants, this model serves as our best product innovation.
When the bottle is no longer held in place, the roof may rip. Furthermore, this
problem with the product's integrity can be used for commercial purposes if other
engineers propose another method of product innovation. Nonetheless, because
the solutions are interconnected, our innovative solution is adaptable to other
designs presented.
● Design visualization:
o Product
For our project, the group decided to use CAD drawing software to
present the solar bottle bulb's innovative ideas. However, because the developer of
the CAD designs had free software installed on his device, the members used the
Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 application. The group can only submit a PDF version
of the 3D designs along with their initial guide (in orthographic projections).
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