From exploration to synthesis
After exploring the different options of what can(not) be done with human powered energy a few options were left to choose from, which each have their own pro's and cons:
1 - Either a cleaner and leaner redesign of RiziQi, taking away the current disadvantages of the concept which are its price and the ability to only use it stand alone. Next to that obvious aspects liks a clear and understandable feedback system have to be developed and the opportunity to think about how a concept like this can stimulate entrepreneurship in rural areas and in return independence.
+ The system has wide spread opportunities such as compatibility with solar, options to create a mini smart-grid and sharing of energy within a community, which lead to shared responsibility which leads to a strong social network.
- The product itself would not be the innovation, but the system behind it. Next to that challenges lie in keeping the costs low.
2 - Including other means of moving and thus expand the opportunity for human powered input to walking, running, cranking, stiring a pan and much more. In this case the
+ Innovation would lie in the product itself.
- Costs would rise due to innovation in the type of energy conversion method. Energy reap would be limited due to the type of movement. This would mean that only products with a small energy consumption could be powered, like LEDS. In case of charging products with a bigger energy capacity this would lead to endless charging or making the energy generating movement heavier.
3 - Last but not least I could choose to embark on a journey of purely mechanically generated energy, which means that human input would not be necessary. This can be done through other sources like sun and water in combination with energy conversion methods which are currently not conventional.
+ The human power input is not necessary anymore, which can be seen as something positive by the target group.
- Out of the scope of human powered energy.
After considering these different options by putting them next to certain criteria like:
- A high enough reap to be able to charge/power at least a LED and a phone.
- System needs to be as efficient as possible.
- Ability to stimulate entrepreneurship.
- Ability to keep costs as low as possible.
- As much as possible within the scope of human powered energy.
This lead to choosing option one and simulating the leaner (cheaper due to the use of less components) and cleaner (less conversion steps).
Some pictures from the idea generation phase and the experiments will be uploaded soon!