Using old batteries from laptops as a source of energy and light: an interesting project from India

A group of experts from India, led by IBM expert Vikas Chandan , found an interesting way to dispose of old batteries from laptops. This method allows you to perform two tasks at the same time: recycle old laptop batteries, and give people a source of light and energy.

It is about creating inexpensive and easy-to-use devices, called UrJar. The name is a play on words. In Hindi, urja is “energy” and jar is “box.” Inside the UrJar is a battery made up of worn out laptop batteries. UrJar can simultaneously power the LED lamp, charge the phone battery and ensure the operation of the table fan.
')
Such a device can be used by residents of poor regions, artisans, traders. Usually the most expensive component of such systems is the battery. The more battery power, the more expensive the device with such a battery.



According to IBM research, about 70% of the laptop batteries ejected can be reused. To test their assumptions, researchers have tested more than 30 laptop batteries, which have been used in Indian companies for more than 3 years, and which were recognized as unsuitable technical staff.

It turned out that the capacity of most of the tested laptop batteries was lower than the original, but sufficient to work as an energy storage device in the Urjar project.

In 70% of tested batteries, as mentioned above, the capacity was not less than 50% of the original. Being assembled into the system, such batteries can provide 4 hours of daily illumination per year, using an LED.



Urjar device design

According to IBM experts, the cost of UrJar is approximately Rs 600 ($ 10). The developers gave UrJar a few volunteers who, as a result, stated that they would like to buy UrJar for themselves. After creating the device, the developers chose 25 volunteers (out of the total number of applicants) who lived far from stationary energy sources and who needed an autonomous source of home lighting and power for the chargers. After some time working with UrJar, volunteers were asked how much they would pay for the device. The answer was 1000 rupees (about 16 US dollars).



IBM emphasizes that the project is non-commercial, and its source data can be used at your discretion . If the project is widely distributed, it will help reduce the number of batteries discharged into the landfill, and increase the number of portable devices that can be used for lighting, charging the phone and cooling the owner’s house.