My idea is to develop a electronic system which automatically turns ‘off’ and ‘on’ the appliances in a room. It works with cheap circuitry. What it does is very simple, it counts the number of persons entering a room then for the presence of a single person the lights in the room turn on. Then when a person comes out of the room the system deducts the number from the previously counted value. When the value becomes zero i.e. when no person is present in the room the light and appliances turn off automatically. This project finds itself useful not only in homes but also in schools,colleges etc.

Though this system is a complicated substitute to a simple turning off of the switches but it is essential because power consumption is a major factor contributing to the pollution, particularly in a nation where large amount of power is generated using fossil fuels. A unit prevented from wastage is equal to 1.5 units generated.

Goals:

• Develop and test the gadget
• Install the gadget in a room of our college and test under different conditions
• Install gadget all over campus
• Request companies visiting campus to take interest in power conservation and encourage them to adopt Turn It Off

Circuit of system that automatically turns lights on/off.

But not Eden Full.  The 16-year-old Canadian teen knows enough about the field that she has even invented a new device that can help solar panels maximize their performance.

How?  Her invention helps solar panels track the sun as it moves across the sky during the day so they get more direct exposure.  Tracking devices do exist but hers is made from affordable materials that are commonly found – even in developing countries.

We interviewed Eden to get to know the origins of her invention and how she thinks as an inventor.

Dynamic Photovoltaics uses bimetallic thermal expansion and hydraulic restrictor control to limit the rotational movement of a solar panel when following sunlight.

1) Describe the moment when you first thought of yourself as an inventor. What happened?

I decided I would be a scientist when I was three years old but I first thought of myself as an inventor in Grade 9 when I realized that I could take my lifelong interest in science and technology and apply it to an everyday issue that needed to be addressed in our global community.

Since I was nine years old, I have been doing solar panel-related research projects that gradually developed my interest and knowledge of renewable energy technologies.

I wanted to be able to explore this field further while helping others in lighting up their homes every night. As a child, I had always had a passion for learning more and increasing my knowledge. I believe that by improving energy accessibility, I can make this opportunity available to many others who have potential to make a difference as well.

2) How did the idea for Dynamic Photovoltaics come about?

Optimization of photovoltaic technology in energy collection has been a passion of mine for many years. I began conducting my own research on improving the efficiency and potential of solar energy. I have had the opportunity to present this research at science fairs for the past seven years, obtaining recognition on a national and international level.

Because of my involvement, I have also developed an awareness of environmental and energy accessibility concerns, which I hope to tackle through my work. My research is what has inspired me to utilize my lifelong passion for science to become a social entrepreneur.

3) What’s the greatest challenge in this project?

The greatest challenge in this project is gathering the financial resources necessary to continue revising prototypes and increasing awareness for the project. A majority of my research requires the purchase of very specific electrical and mechanical components in order to evaluate the function of particular aspects of my invention. As I am a high school student, it is difficult to find adequate resources and support for my initiative. Primarily, the monetary awards that Dynamic Photovoltaics have won are what support this project in purchasing components.

In the future, I hope that Dynamic Photovoltaics will be able to garner more support from the community for this cause. The more resources available will improve and increase the impact that this project has on society.

4) Which inventors do you find most inspirational? Why?

Hideki Kozima

Hideki Kozima is an inventor I find inspirational because he invented a robot that is not only capable of advancing modern technology in robotics, but also integrates into typical environments with people of all ages.

Geared particularly towards improving social communication in children with developmental disorders, Keepon is a lovable robot that embodies the concept of taking something innovative and using it to help others. Its user-friendliness also helps deliver a message to the world that inventions truly make a difference in our everyday lives. I believe that this is a very important principle to keep in mind as an inventor.

5) What do you think are the three essential qualities or skills of a great inventor?

• An inventor needs to be passionate about what they are doing in order to find the motivation to continue pursuing it.
• An inventor also needs to never give up, despite how difficult the situation is and how hopeless it may seem.
• An inventor needs to be creative in order to open their mind to new ideas and the input of others for the improvement of their invention.

6) Why are you so passionate about being an inventor?

I want to make a difference. Ultimately, I have yet to truly figure out how I will do so, but I believe that inventing is a good start on my part.

7) In the years to come, what issue or problem would you like to tackle with your inventive spirit?

I am very passionate about energy accessibility. I hope that I can continue to pursue this issue in developing a technology that is accessible to all audiences of different educational backgrounds.

Related Post:
VENTURE: Dynamic Photovoltaics

In rural areas and disaster struck areas electricity is hard to get, therefore lowering the living condition of these areas.

Windmills can be brought into these areas and start generating electricity without the need for constant supply of fuel (fuel is expensive and bad for the environment).

The windmill will be made of recyclable material. The expected outcome will be improving lives of those deprive of electricity, through green renewable energy.

It is a concept I have for Singapore. This design is to capture wind from all direction in a urban setting.

Not only is the system easy to operate, it is made of commonly found affordable materials.

This project is the first of its kind to be able to achieve this kind of accessibility for different audiences, whether it be mass energy farms or a local village in a developing country.

Being constructed from common materials with minimal maintenance required, this project is financially viable for energy collection in developing countries.

It is also easy to calibrate and use, thus allowing anybody capable of reading basic instructions to be able to repair and correct it, without a specialized education in electrical engineering.

Goals:

1. Develop a more effective solution that improves upon the current Dynamic Photovoltaics prototype.  This will increase the power output, making the system more efficient.
2. Establish a pilot site.
3. Increase awareness of the project.
4. Gather more financial and social support from academic, commercial, non-profit and private organizations.

Dynamic Photovoltaics uses bimetallic thermal expansion and hydraulic restrictor control to limit the rotational movement of a solar panel when following sunlight.

If any progress is being made on the global fight against climate change, it is because of Youth Venturers like Chloe Maxmin.  Just 16 years old, she is an eloquent voice for our planet – both at her school and in her community. She founded Climate Action Club at her school in Newcastle, Maine, and in its first year, the club led successful campaigns to recycle batteries, initiate an energy audit for the school, and ban bus and car idling on school grounds.

The club has now launched a “paper vs. plastic” campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags. Club website.

What would you say is the most important impact you’ve made?

The most important impact I’ve made is to heighten awareness about the environmental crisis in my school and community. I founded The Climate Action Club at my school, and it was the  first and only club to focus on fighting global warming. We have achieved more in two years than any other school club. This achievement is due not only to our hard work and determination—it is because of the impact we have made on our peers, school administrators, faculty, and our whole community. Many people have become more aware of the current climate crisis and their power to act because of our work. We have given people opportunities to learn, participate, and take action.

Two important aspects of the club explain our impact.  The first is that our projects extend beyond the school into the community.  This balance has enabled us to reach more people and raise awareness about eco-friendly behavior. Second, each of our many projects focuses on the individual’s power to take an active role in protecting the environment.

Who or what inspired you to become a leader? How did it all begin?

I was inspired to become an environmental activist when the largest tract of undeveloped land in Maine—the North Woods—was threatened by a massive development proposal for a sprawl of second homes, marinas, and resorts. Plum Creek, the biggest real estate company in the country, was proposing these disastrous changes.

I snowmobile in the North Woods with my family. I have seen vistas of breath-taking beauty, pure pine-covered woods, and unthreatened habitats. These experiences made me fall in love with nature. My deep passion for nature has been fueled by Maine’s thrilling beauty, ever since I was a little girl. I feel it is my duty to do everything in my power to save our world.

I dove into action when I heard that the North Woods was going to be destroyed. I wrote letters to the Governor, the local environmental agency, the regulatory body that had authority over the development plan, and to newspapers all over Maine. I testified against Plum Creek at a public hearing, and I mobilized members of the Climate Action Club to write letters as well. We all went to a special conference protesting Plum Creek’s development proposals.

These experiences are the foundation of my passion for the environment. Every day when I look out my window and see the dark green pine trees on the outskirts of our broad hay field, I know why I must act. I know why I must motivate others. I know why it is imperative to save our world.

What three things have contributed to your success?

My un-faltering passion to save the environment has been the biggest part of my success. Even if I am having a discouraging moment, I always forge on because of my determination.

The second biggest contributor to my success is my belief that you need to educate people before they can act. I believe that education is the key tool that will enable people to effectively fight climate change. I spend a lot of time developing educational materials not only for club members, but for our community as well. We have created a firm foundation for people that is the basis for their own personal actions. We have empowered people to act for themselves. By doing so, we have spread our impact and heightened our success.

The third thing that has most contributed to our success is the support from our school and community. Faculty, school administrators, local citizens, and merchants have reached out and helped create a strong foundation. This has enabled us to achieve more, spread our work, and build a wider support base.

When do you most feel “in the zone”?

I feel most ‘in the zone’ when I am talking to others about the environment, the Climate Action Club, and my personal experiences.

Is there one story that illustrates why you do what you do?

When I see how much our work has spread across the state and the nation, I am reinvigorated. Two stories come to mind that illustrate this point.

One day I checked the Climate Action Club’s emails. A man from California had contacted us through our website. He said he found our website thought we would be a great candidate for The Sundance Channel’s series BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET. This email catapulted me into a three-month conversation with him. This one email resulted in a 6 person camera crew traveling all the way to Maine to film us for the next season of BIG IDEAS. This opportunity gave the club the chance to motivate and inspire others to become environmental activists as well.

The Climate Action Club stood outside local businesses in our town to hand out a one page fact sheet to customers to educate them about the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment. On the sheet, we gave people the opportunity to pledge their support for our Paper Vs. Plastic Campaign. One respondent pledged her support with a blog post on our website. She was inspired to make a long-lasting commitment to  use canvas bags. She wrote about how she tried to use her canvas bags, but she usually forgot them in her house or car. Our work and rekindled her initiative to always use canvas bags. Her message reminded me that we are making differences in many people’s lives, even if we don’t know about it. Our work diffuses around the state, and it is always exhilarating when you receive a glimpse of the depth and breadth of the impact you’ve made. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your work as a leader?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to have voice. I am a shy person. I usually don’t like to go outside my comfort zone. But through my work with the Climate Action Club, I have learned how to speak up for myself, express my beliefs, use my voice to convey my passion, and use my words to motivate others. This lesson has not only helped me in the realm of environmental activism—it has enriched every corner of my life and helped me become a more confident person.

Who are the current leaders or thinkers you admire?

I admire Al Gore. He has broken the stereotypes that surrounded him as a politician. He diverted from the traditional corrupt path of a politician gone activist. He is truly dedicated to fighting global warming. He sees, as I do, that it is important to educate people to empower them to act. He believes in the power of the individual. Al Gore is not afraid to set what may seem like impossible goals (for example “100 percent zero-carbon electricity in 10 years” (Al Gore, 2008 Speech on Renewable Energy). He has set a precedent for future environmental activists. Al Gore also recognizes that every single person on this planet needs to work together as one to fight climate change. Governments, business, states, town, organizations, individual groups, and individuals need to collaborate to save our planet. All sectors of life must come together in this epic movement.

I also admire Barack Obama. He has transcended every stereotype of thinking, acting, and empowering. Like Al Gore, Obama realizes that all parts of our world need to come together to fix our problems. But, as Obama exemplified with his extraordinary grassroots efforts during the election, individuals are the building blocks for change. Empowering is changing.

What book has made a great impression on you in the last few years? Why?

Three pieces of literary work have made an impression on me, especially in terms of my work as an activist and leader.

Fight Global Warming Now by Bill McKibben. This was one of the first books I read about how to organize a group to fight global warming.

It provided me with key information about how to be a leader, what kinds of projects to work on, and how to motivate and captivate others.

Sula by Toni Morrison. Although this book has nothing to do with the environmental movement, it reminded me of the challenges of being different. The environmental movement is like no other movement in the history of the world. We are in unchartered territory, daring to break with conventional behavior and offer radical new solutions. These same themes are in Sula.  Toni Morrison suggests that a single person can break through the walls of conformity. We can learn from Sula that we have the power to successfully throw off conventional limitations and forge a new truth for a new day.

The Crisis by Thomas Paine. Paine released each part of this 13-part essay between 1776-1783. These were carefully timed to inspire soldiers before a key battle, or rally citizens at crucial moments in the Revolutionary War.  I think Thomas Paine is the most influential writer in American history. He used the power of his words to protest the enslavement of the colonists and to fight for freedom. His rhetoric inspired people to revolt and to rethink the structure of government. In the current climate crisis, we can take inspiration from Paine’s words. We can ignite our collective power to take charge of our planet and save our world.

What gives you hope for the future?

I felt alone and isolated when I first started the Climate Action Club. I didn’t know any other teenage environmental activists, I had no network, and I had no idea how to lead or motivate others. However, when a friend told me about Youth Venture, my world opened into a massive support network.

Through Youth Venture, Earth Island Institute, and many other organizations, I realize that there are so many young activists taking control of the future. These support networks have given me hope that we can all work together to make a difference, and we can all influence others to do the same.

What advice would you give to aspiring young leaders today?  

I would tell an aspiring young leader to try anything and everything. I live in a small town of 1,200 people. My school has 600 students. I had no connections when I founded the Climate Action Club. But I did not let that deter me. I let my passion for the environment lead me to motivate my peers to act.

Our collective determination resulted in national recognition and new connections to vast support networks. The theme of the Climate Action Club is FIRST HERE, THEN EVERYWHERE. This saying reminds us that even though we live in a small town in Maine, we have the power to influence others and diffuse our passion and work all across the world. No individual is insignificant; no town is too small to make a difference.

The SOLAR Food Cart will be run by volunteers from environmental groups/organizations such as the Solar Generation-Pilipinas which advocates Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The solar cart can be passed from one community/school/volunteer’s house to another. Every stop the food cart will sell food and set-up an exhibit to campaign for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

The SOLAR Food Cart: campaigns renewable energy, advocates healthy living through exercise like cycling, shows alternative way of transport, promotes organic and locally grown healthy foods which the cart will sell, and establishes a sustainable and eco-friendly business.

The SOLAR Food Cart targets the local government sector, transport sector, business sector, energy sector and every citizen.

Solar Food Cart powered by PV (Photovoltaic) Panels and driven by a bicycle which also recharges the batteries mechanically.

NBS will perform an energy audit and calculate the negative impact of the business on the environment and their pocketbook. In particular we will investigate wasteful areas such as: light bulbs, heating and ventilating systems, air conditioning, unnecessary use of electricity, of water, plastic bags instead of paper ones, and the lack of a recycling program.

We will then formulate a method that will create a smooth transition, be partly paid for by NBS and partly by the client. The transition will correct all of their energy inefficiencies and install new, environmentally friendly items into their facility.

After completing the installation we will leave the company and return six months to a year later to evaluate the energy efficiency of their facilities and how much they have saved as a result of the transition. If they have saved as much as we had calculated, then they will return us our original investment thus keeping our company sustainable.

Students in Taiwan have invented a device that will harness wind power to run bicycle headlights.  

They unveiled their gadget at the 2008 National Wind Power Invention Contest and won an award.

The wind-powered bicycle headlight utilizes head-on wind, while the bike is in motion, to generate electricity as a source of energy for the headlight. The electricity is saved in rechargeable batteries and may be used to power a small fan when the cyclist stops at traffic lights.

Several bicycle manufacturers have already expressed interest in buying the patent from the students.

Inventors of wind-powered bicycle headlights

Source: Taiwan students invent wind-powered bicycle headlights (Taiwan News)

His invention generated more than just clean energy for his village (which never had power), but also lots of attention – from the media and the social sector.

Watch William’s remarkable story in this short documentary that premiered on Pangea Day.