Solar Powered Torch can be a Windup
Solar Powered Torches have been around for a while now and the concept may sound strange at first. We generally use a torch when we need that bit of extra light but that is when photovoltaic solar cells do no perform at their best.
The simple answer here is to utilize batteries to store the energy for use later. Improve the efficiency by using Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and in turn that could reduce the time needed to charge or the weight of the torch can be reduced by using batteries of less capacity, and weight.
The combination of those two factors have already made it in to remote energy efficient lighting modules that may be of use as semi-fixed features in your garden.
For flashlights, or torches depending on where you live, the technology now makes it convenient to be able to carry a powerful lightweight torch around with you that gives off more than just a glow.
Handbag or pocket, glove compartment or sports bag, there are hundreds of uses that up until now we were restricted by the heavy weight of batteries. Ten or fifteen years ago mobile phones were not as common but now everybody has one. The same could apply to personal lighting in a few years time.
Windup, no jokes here. This is not new either, even radios can be windup and for a long time clockwork devices were seen as archaic, not any more. While the ideas of solar, wind and other renewable energies are attractive, they do now always perform 100% of the time. Combining them together and we can practically always have a clean energy source. The same applies to self powering devices, here the solar may not always keep your torch batteries charged and our backup energy source is clockwork. Using lightweight windup technology does not add much bulk or weight to your flashlight but can provide a quick energy boost when needed.
Energy efficient and self powering decides are becoming more popular and while each one has a very small carbon saving footprint, they all add up to over all quite a lot of CO2 saved. The cleaner air is a bonus, but the main advantage is having a low cost, lightweight and practical light source for personal use.
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