Eco Factor: Portable device to harness and store solar energy.
Developed by design students at the Indian Institute of technology, Kanpur, the PhotoCYL is a portable device inspired from plants. The leaves are made from thin film Cadmium Indium Gallium Di Selenide (CIGS), which converts sunlight into electricity. This device can be placed near a window in home or office. The leaves are mounted on a telescopic support, and can be unfolded to start charging. The telescopic support works as the stem and supports the leaves. The battery located in the bottom works as the roots to store the energy.
The conversion efficiency of CIGS panels is higher compared to other panels available. The energy generated by the device can be used to illuminate the interiors at the night, using the built-in lamp, or can also be used to power other devices such as mobiles, water purifiers etc. This product is to be marketed in tier II and III cities, towns and villages of the India which face long duration power cuts.
[Thanks: Alok P. Agashe]
