2024 - FIREFLIES－STORAGE OF DAYLIGHT

#ISSUE

According to the UN, 675 million people, primarily in developing countries, still lack access to electricity. However, practical and financially sustainable solutions exist. Currently, 91% of the world has electricity, a significant improvement since 2015, with the number without electricity dropping by nearly 38%. Renewables now generate over 28% of global electricity, growing by nearly 5% since 2015. Global investment in clean energy has reached nearly US$ 1.7 trillion. Despite this progress, 2.3 billion people still rely on coal, kerosene, or solid biomass for cooking, causing 3.7 million premature deaths annually, particularly among women and children. Energy access remains a significant issue in rural areas, with 80% of those without electricity living in rural regions, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. A transformed global energy system prioritizing access and affordability is essential. Energy interventions must be just and inclusive for current and future generations.

In India, we focus on rural areas with diverse climates, from the Thar Desert to subtropical regions. Our prototype project in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on the edge of the Thar Desert, experiences an arid climate influenced by the Southwest Monsoon, providing 75% of annual rainfall from May to September. Jaipur’s temperatures range from 19.7°C to 33.7°C, with significant day-night and monsoon variations. Rapid population growth and rising energy consumption drive the search for alternative energy sources. As the third-largest energy consumer, India has doubled its energy use since 2000 and is transitioning to renewable energy to meet Paris Agreement targets.

#SOLUTION

Over 40% of Indian households still use solid fuels like wood and charcoal. Middle and high-income households primarily use gas for cooking, while low-income households also use it for boiling and heating water. Rajasthan’s mortality rate from household air pollution exceeds the national average. To cope with this problem, we intended to create alternative forms of biogas production and storage systems, using local organic and waste materials to create composites.The prototype incorporating biogas production and storage systems from local organic waste can improve indoor air quality during cooking is created and tested in Rajasthan. The system enhances accessibility and reduces reliance on traditional solid fuels, thereby improving occupant behavior patterns and overall indoor air quality.

To make our prototype more widespread and commonly used by locals worldwide, we’ve transformed it into an installation that serves as both an energy source and a ventilation system. It is designed to be mounted on any wall, regardless of its structure or purpose, and can be adjusted to meet users’ needs. The installation is easy to set up, with all components available on Amazon at reasonable prices.One proposed use of the installation is in areas with fluctuating temperatures. The light storage system comprises two parts: biogas-inflated bags and local wall infrastructure.

The system can be adjusted based on temperature and time of day. The biogas-inflated bags are angle-adjustable, and the wall can rotate. During the day, the bags can be angled to increase ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow indoors through the wall openings. At night, when temperatures drop, the bags can be positioned parallel to the wall, providing insulation to retain warmth. Additionally, the biogas serves as an energy source for gas lamps, offering light and warmth.