Brief
As a group of 8 we were given the brief to combat light poverty. We wanted to provide a suitable long-term fix for a community in a developing country (LEDC). We wanted to come up with something that would be able to be maintained by the locals in the chosen area as we were aware of previous attempts to solve light poverty and the drawbacks that had been involved.
As a group of 8 we were given the brief to combat light poverty. We wanted to provide a suitable long-term fix for a community in a developing country (LEDC). We wanted to come up with something that would be able to be maintained by the locals in the chosen area as we were aware of previous attempts to solve light poverty and the drawbacks that had been involved.
ideation
We looked at a range of ways store energy and how to convert energy into electricity, one concept was the flywheel along with kinetic energy. It can store large amounts of energy that can be discharged instantly when needed and isn’t affected by extreme outside temperature. It is also able to last multiple decades and so the up keep of it wouldn’t be too expensive or too frequent.
our product
What is it?
Installing a playground roundabout in a rural area to generate electricity. It is capable of recharging batteries to power lamps that can be used either inside or outside.
Installing a playground roundabout in a rural area to generate electricity. It is capable of recharging batteries to power lamps that can be used either inside or outside.
How does it work?
This will work via the flywheel. The rim of the flywheel acts as an energy reservoir and connecting this to a motor generator converts that stored mechanical energy into electrical energy through faradays law of electromagnetic induction.
This will work via the flywheel. The rim of the flywheel acts as an energy reservoir and connecting this to a motor generator converts that stored mechanical energy into electrical energy through faradays law of electromagnetic induction.
Where will it be?
In the centre of a local community or school it will bring people together and doesn’t largely interrupt traditional values already held in the community so locals don’t feel alienated in their own environment.
In the centre of a local community or school it will bring people together and doesn’t largely interrupt traditional values already held in the community so locals don’t feel alienated in their own environment.
How will it be maintained?
We understand that as a fly-wheel can store a large amount of power so, as the roundabout is designed for children, safety precautions will have to be considered in terms of speed. Locals in the area are to be trained to maintain and service the roundabout, which allows them to learn new and transferable skills.
We understand that as a fly-wheel can store a large amount of power so, as the roundabout is designed for children, safety precautions will have to be considered in terms of speed. Locals in the area are to be trained to maintain and service the roundabout, which allows them to learn new and transferable skills.
instructional storyboard
schematics
Reflection
Through extensive research into global concerns and ways that companies and organisations can help those in developing countries become self-reliant allowed me to better understand why being a designer is so important for economies. Design is not just about making something look good, it’s about usefulness, purpose and making a difference.
Through extensive research into global concerns and ways that companies and organisations can help those in developing countries become self-reliant allowed me to better understand why being a designer is so important for economies. Design is not just about making something look good, it’s about usefulness, purpose and making a difference.