Solar Flare

By Amiyo Sadhukhan studying in 9th Standard in Adamas

International School
Introduction

In metro transit systems,

illumination is maintained
round-the-clock to ensure
passenger visibility. I have
conceptualized a product
design that not only
provides this essential
lighting but also harnesses
the energy typically lost as
heat when light strikes the
side of the light fixture. This
innovative approach allows for both effective lighting and energy
conservation.
Materials required:

1) Solar Panels
2) Led lights
3) Steel Frame
4) Translucent cover
5) Reflective Inner walls

Description:

When a light is switched on, it

illuminates the surrounding
area. Some photons escape from
the light fixture to brighten the
space. However, a portion of
these photons collide with the
sides of the light fixture, transforming into heat energy and
warming up the fixture’s sides.

Consider a scenario where we required a total of 34W power,

comprising of 24W for lighting and 10W for mobile charging. We
have innovatively designed a product that can illuminate an LED
light (operating at 100% efficiency) and charge a mobile phone
simultaneously, all within a power budget of 24W. This results in
a power saving of 10W.

Objective:

My objective is to harness the untapped potential of stray light

photons that are typically lost on the sides of LED tubes.
Optimally positioned at the top of a space, my product is
designed to capture and repurpose this otherwise wasted energy,
contributing to overall energy conservation.

Importantly, the installation of our solar panels will not interfere

with the normal operation of the light source, ensuring that it
continues to function as usual. This innovative approach not only
enhances energy efficiency but also promotes sustainable
practices.

Working:

Our product incorporates two solar panels strategically

positioned alongside the LED lights. These panels generate direct
current (DC) voltage, which can be harnessed for various
applications. The solar panels work by transforming light
photons into electrical energy.

Constructed with photovoltaic cells nestled between layers of

semi-conductive materials like silicon, solar panels are designed
to capture sunlight. Upon exposure to light, the cells generate
electrical charges. These charges are mobilized by the cell’s
internal electrical field, resulting in the flow of electricity.
The electricity produced by the solar panels is in the form of
direct current (DC). To make this electricity compatible with most
electronic devices and appliances, an inverter is used to convert
the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. This
ensures the efficient and versatile use of the energy generated by
our product.

Usage:

❖ This innovative product is versatile and can be utilized in

various settings such as metros, buses, and trains. Not only
does it enhance visibility for passengers, but it also
generates electricity that can power a range of devices
including:
o Dashboards
o Mobile, Laptop Charging point.
o Water purifiers
o Vacuum cleaners

In environments like metros where lights are operational for

extended periods, the product can generate sufficient power to
operate these appliances directly. In other scenarios, I
recommend using batteries to store the generated electricity for
later use.

❖ This product is equally effective in residential and

commercial spaces like homes, offices, and auditoriums, or
any location requiring lighting. The solar panels attached to
the sides generate DC voltage, which can be stored in
batteries. This stored power can then be converted to 230V
AC using inverters, making it suitable for powering various
appliances.

The more devices we have, the more electricity we can

generate, thereby enabling you to power additional
appliances. This product is not just a lighting solution,
but a step towards energy efficiency and
sustainability.
Maintenance

In the design of my product, I intend to create a vacuum within

the steel frame of the LED lights. This innovative approach will
prevent dust accumulation on the solar panels, thereby
maintaining their efficiency. Prior to creating the vacuum with a
pump, I will ensure the frame is completely dust-free. In my
prototype, I have incorporated a lid to further minimize dust
deposition on the solar panel.

These design elements not only enhance the performance of the

lights but also significantly reduce maintenance costs. This
product is not just a lighting solution, but a testament to
meticulous design and sustainable practices.

Advantages of the product:

Eco friendly
Reusable
Electricity Bill Reduction
Reduced carbon footprints
Negligible starting time
Low-cost Maintenance

Disadvantage of the product:

Constructing cost is high.

Requires more space than traditional light.
Environmental impact of manufacturing

Prerequisite:

I have successfully constructed a functional prototype to

demonstrate the effectiveness of my design concept.
 Making of the Prototype:

In the construction of
my prototype, I have
repurposed a shoe box
to serve as the outer
frame of the light. To
maximize light
reflection, I have lined
two sides of the box’s
interior walls, where
the solar panels are
not attached, with aluminium foil. I have affixed a 5-meter LED
strip, with a power rating of 24W, onto a roll of cardboard. This
LED strip is then placed inside the box. The solar panels are
securely attached to the remaining two sides of the box. This
setup ensures best light capture and energy conversion.

Working of our Prototype

In my prototype, I have employed 24W LED strips to illuminate

an area and provide a 6W power supply through the solar
panels. The solar panels, positioned on the sides of the box, are
typically crafted from silicon or another semiconductor material.
These panels are housed in a metal frame and protected by a
glass casing. When exposed to the photons emitted by the LED
lights, these materials release electrons, thereby generating an
electric charge.

This electric charge can be harnessed for various applications. In

my prototype, I have used a propeller to demonstrate its
functionality. Additionally, I have successfully charged my mobile
phone using the power generated by the prototype, further
validating its effectiveness and practicality.
Efficiency of the Prototype

The LED lights in the prototype are powered by a 24W input.

Each solar panel on one side of the device generates an output of
3W. Therefore, the combined output from two solar panels
amounts to 6W. This means that the total power saved is 6W.

The efficiency of the solar panels can be calculated as the ratio of

the power output to the power input, multiplied by 100%.

In this case, it is (6W / 24W) * 100%, which equals 25%. In the

prototype, each solar panel has an efficiency of 12.5%.

In the final product design, I plan to incorporate more efficient

solar panels to conserve even more electricity. To achieve this, I
am considering the use of High Concentrated Photovoltaic
(CPV) solar panels, which are known for their superior efficiency.

Electricity cost calculated in the prototype:

If we take the cost of 1 unit of electricity to be ₹ 15

Amount of electricity saved by the prototype in one hour=0.006 unit

Cost of electricity saved by the prototype in one hour= ₹ 0.09

Cost of electricity saved by the prototype in one day= ₹ (0.09*24)

= ₹2.16

Cost of electricity saved by the prototype in one year= ₹ 788.4

(This value is calculated with the assumption that the light works
for 24 hours in a day)

By incorporating more efficient solar panels in the final

product design, we can further increase the energy savings
and thereby reduce the cost of electricity used.
Comparison Between Traditional Light and Our Product

Traditional Light Solar Flare (Light)

Efficiency Lights work with 100% Lights work with 100%
efficiency to illuminate efficiency to illuminate
an area an area
Heat Sides of the light frame Sides of the light frame
Generation get heated up do not get heated up
Power Output Does not generate any Generates an output
output power power and illuminates
an area
Energy Does not save any Conserves a certain
Conservation energy amount of energy.

Maintenance Low-cost Maintenance Low-cost Maintenance

Cost
Weight Light in weight Heavier due to added
components
Installation Initial cost of Initial cost of
Cost installation is low installation is higher
due to the inclusion of
solar panels
Functionality Solely used for Saves energy while
illumination also providing
illumination

This comparison highlights the added benefits of our Solar Flare

product, making it a more sustainable and energy-efficient choice.
Structural Diagram:

Ac Source

Ac to DC Converter
(SMPS)

Led Strips

Wall of the light

Light given out For the frame
visibility of an area

DC Source

Change the voltage to 230 V

Inverter Ac for the use of other
Light photons on the walls of

electrical Appliances
the steel frame of the light

Water Filters

Solar Panels Absorbs it Batteries for Storing it

Vacuum Cleaners

Dashboards of transportation
vehicle

Mobile charging
Conclusion

In conclusion, this product serves as an optimal solution in settings

that require illumination. While the initial cost may be higher, the
investment can be recouped within a few days due to the energy
savings. The design not only provides lighting but also generates
electricity for use in other electrical appliances. This product
represents a one-time investment with minimal maintenance costs,
making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice for lighting
solutions.