Bottled light is the latest trend in energy conservation which was founded by Alfredo Moser, a native of Brazil, in 2002 as he devised in innovative solution to keeping the lights on in his home without using any electricity at all. The process is simple, first a two liter bottle is filled with water, 2 capfuls of bleach is added to keep the water clean and free from algae, then the bottle is fixed into the ceiling with the top third protruding outside the house fixed to the ceiling with polyester resent. The total cost of the operation is very cost effective and each bottle can produce up to 40 to 60 watts of light depending on the amount of sunlight outside. Maintenance of the system once installed is practically free and the initial cost of installation is relatively cheap since all the products used are common household items.
Refraction of Light:
The key to this process is the refraction of light from through the water which essential bends lights and changes its direction. Refraction is the process in which light waves bend due to passing through another substance with a varying density. As the photon particles in light enter water, which is denser then air, the speed of the protons slow down and refraction occurs. When light passes through the varying densities of air and water it bends the direction of the photon’s path which allows it to be distributed throughout a room. This process is similar to how a magnifying glass works which bends light to a focal point to create the illusion of enlarging an image.
Innovation in Clean Energy Solutions:
This idea came to Moser, who is an electrical engineer, in 2002 when there were a number of frequent blackouts across Brazil. The initial concept was first proposed by his boss who in the process of suggesting an alarm system during the blackouts stated that the team should look into using a bottle of water to refract light on grass to start a fire. The idea stuck in Alfredo Moser’s head and he began to test the capabilities of light refracted through bottled water. Without creating and design schemes or complex critical thinking Moser was able to conduct a series of tests to determine the best way to amplify light and soon his first electricity free lamp was created.
Moser is a prime example of how human innovation in pursuit of clean energy solutions can benefit a myriad of people who lack basic necessities. He holds no patent on his invention and has gained almost no funds from the development of this, with the exception of small payments for installing his idea in the homes of neighbors and grocery stores. He remains poor yet proud that his ideas have helped a number of individuals worldwide. In one instance Moser states that after installing these bottles in a neighbor’s house, the neighbor saved enough money on his electricity bill to provide essential items for his baby on the way.
Where is this technology being applied?
This low tech solution, referred to today as the Moser Lamp, to generating light is being applied to many third world countries especially in impoverished areas where electricity is either not present or too expensive for residents to use freely. Although bottled light cannot create light per say, it has the ability to provide light from the sun in indoor areas during the daytime which can save households dramatically on their electricity bill. The Philippines have supported this invention whole-heartedly in their nation where approximately a quarter of the population is living in poverty. The organization MyShelter started a program to install Moser lamps in 2011 and is currently training individuals to install these in their communities which have allowed some limited job creation for a small wage. The Moser lamp has had critical success in many of the smaller island communities in the Philippines where electricity is not available or too costly for the citizens to afford.
Small scale hydroponic farms have also become possible using this technique of refracting light in the Philippines. Currently about 15 countries are working to provide programs that will allow impoverished communities the ability to enjoy the benefits of indoor lighting with next to no cost associated. Still humbled by the vast success of his invention, Moser is reportedly emotional and elated to hear of his idea changing the lives of so many people. Many believe that Alfredo Moser is the prime candidate for a Nobel Prize as a result of his invention however he is satisfied just knowing that he has helped improve the living conditions of thousands of people across the globe.
Tags: green energy, power conservation