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03:37  Green Tech, Science-Technology

Gravity Light Uses Gravity for Power Many people in developing counties don't have the luxury of electric grids and have to rely on kerosene lamps for lighting. Kerosene costs money and breathing the fumes is dangerous. 780 million women and children around the world inhale a volume of smoke equivalent to smoking two packets of cigarettes a day because of this. A new light powered by gravity could be a superior solution to lighting needs for destitute areas.

GravityLight doesn't need to be recharged through solar cells. It doesn't use batteries at all. It's powered by the same force that keeps our feet on the ground. GravityLight is simply charged by a bag that is filled with around 9kg of material and hung from a cord below the light. A weight attached to the light takes 3 seconds to lift up, but provides 30 minutes of light as it descends. As the bag descends, a series of gears inside the device translates this weight into energy. The light strength can be adjusted, from strong task lighting to a longer-lasting low-level glow, and two terminals on the front allow it to be used as a generator so it can recharge other devices including radios and batteries.

The GravityLight project has captured plenty of public interest. The Indiegogo campaign has raised more than $115,000, blowing away the original $55,000 goal. One major goal is to eventually get the cost down to $5 per light, making it a very affordable purchase for people in need while saving them money over the ongoing cost of kerosene.
