microPower

An introduction to microPower

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Why microPower• About 2 Billion people do not access

electricity – globally• 1.4 Billion people without power by 2030 –

globally [i]• Children suffer blindness from kerosene

lamps in no-power zones [i] “Sustainable Energy for Poverty Reduction” ITDG and Greenpeace report

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Why microPower• Prohibitive cost of solar photovoltaics

-Rs 500 per Wp of system rating

• India’s solar photovoltaic program – 20 MWp installed base Vs 20 MWp per Sq Km potential

• Poor conversion efficiency – barely 10-15% and low output ratings – poor substitute for grid power

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For whom? • Working class consumer• Small dwellings – villages, urban fringes• Poor access to grid power – often stolen• Small load – radio, 2-in-1, torch… new

WLL and CDMA phones, ICT devices• Recurring cost of dry cells • Dry cell disposal presents eco-hazard

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VisionScene around a hut, 5 years hence:  A school-going child removes charged batteries from a solar charger, which she has loaded correctly,

earlier in the day. She re-loads them on a dichroic reading lamp. Likewise, her family illuminates the home and workplace from a range of high-Lux lamps. A 2-in-1

player provides news and entertainment; a mini-fan expels heat and smoke while water is transferred to a service tank by a mini-pump. Sprayers, sprinklers and drippers service their fields... All these are battery-powered, low-wattage devices.

The family takes informed decisions managing its agriculture, skilled trade or business - as it accesses

basic services and regularly contacts its outstation folk - from a choice of solar-powered hand-held ICT devices.

This family need not depend on public utilities for its most basic needs.  A basket of microPower technology, products and services provides an efficient,

transparent and unobtrusive backdrop to this scene.

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MissionmicroPower will provide a comprehensive

set of low-cost solutions, involving the conversion and utilisation of renewable energy. The products must be -

• Affordable, without need of subsidy • Whole products, ready to use • Enriched by local entrepreneurs –

support, new applications, kit assembly

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Value Chain

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Charger Applications

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microPower chargers• Range begins at Rs 50 – for 1 AA cell • Use smallest size of SPV panel to service

battery in 4 hrs = 1 day • Large batteries may recharge in 2 days –

being standby• Amorphous silicon – low-cost and shadow

tolerant

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microPower chargers

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LED lamp & flasher• Choice - red / white LEDs• - Flasher operation - low consumption /

continuous duty – higher consumption• 2 nos. AA size batteries for red LED / 3

nos. AAA size batteries for white LED• For small rooms, pathways, fences, etc• Easily visible up to 4-5 Metres in dark

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LED lamp & flasher

eFlasher eCandle

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microPower pathFinder• System, comprising charger, lamp and

supporting structures• Multiple tailor-made combinations• Multiple uses, from pathway marking to

small room illumination – as per lamp selected

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microPower pathFinder

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microStill SWP• Solar Water Purifier – cleans water vapour by

sun’s rays

• Versatile - Mounted over “mutka”, any vessel opening on top, tank with open hatch or floated in still water

• Capacity of approx. 60-80 LPD / Sq Metre .. 300mm dia unit suffices for small family’s daily need

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microStill SWP

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microPack solar packaging• Outer transparent protective cover• Inner heat-trap cover• Absorber-cum-wrap • Keeps food warm in open sunlight• Ideal for open-air catering and relief camps

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Dry Boxes & Chambers• Suitable for variety of preservation

processes – food & agri produce• Transparent skylight – adequately sized to

drying load• Forced air circulation – SPV if feasible • Air-tight space /enclosure • Options – Size, humidity control

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Dry Boxes & Chambers

LOAD

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vitaPower Rice Cooker• Direct cook & serve – no pots & pans• Cooks for 4 persons at a time• Ideal for rice and lentil preparations - Khichri,

Pullao, Kheer … ample scope for local improvisation

• Also roasts – potatoes, other root vegetables, fish, meat … temperatures as high as 150° C

• Healthful, slow cooking – a typical meal is ready by 12 Noon if loaded by 9 am

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vitaPower Rice Cooker

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Thank you