VATIS UPDATE Article

Researchers at Kyung Hee University (KHU), Republic of Korea, have proposed a model to recycle smartphone lithium ion batteries into solar power systems – providing both energy and economic growth for rural communities. Boucar Diouf, at KHU, has described the logistics of his recycling and repurposing program in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. “The proposed program consists of five general steps – battery collection, testing and selection, system manufacturing, commercialization, and installation. Each of these steps would provide opportunities for job creation,” said Diouf.

The candle and kerosene lamps used to light the homes within many rural communities are harmful, inefficient and more expensive than a small solar home lighting system, provided the right approach is taken. “Using the battery of mobile phones in small solar home systems becomes obvious in order to make access to electricity easier to those who live without,” added Diouf. A standard lithium ion phone battery of 1000 milliamp-hour capacitycan power a one-watt LED lamp for about three hours, or a 0.5-watt lamp – bright enough for reading and writing – for about six hours.

When wired to a small solar panel, this maintenance-free system can last for approximately three years. The researchers also constructed a full 12-volt system made of three mobile phone batteries of 3100 millliamp-hour capacity each, with a 5-watt LED lamp and a small solar panel, for less than $25. These systems have the capability to light up a room for about five hours each day, and can last for approximately three years without any maintenance.