Solar Light Concept: Get Free and Natural Sunlight to light up your home/office!

A few blog posts ago, we had showcased some of our innovations in construction related technologies at Ideas Unlimited. We did some Googling around for some innovative way to use natural light into the building. Some of the innovations done by people around the world on this front inspired us to do something similar in a more engineered fashion which looks elegant as well!

This idea is pretty simple. If you are into a bit of hands on Engineering, you can probably do it yourself too!

And the best part of this whole thing?  You don't have to pay for lighting up your home ever! You are harvesting natural sunlight for free from your roof! 

The system is so simple and maintenance free to make, that it is a one time investment that benefits you for life! We have put in some engineering aspects to make this into an elegant option and make it more appealing for people to adapt it even in their expensive homes and for commercial buildings.

Step 1: You have to make a  perfect template for putting the bottle in as part of roof centering. (If you want we can make them for you.)

Step 2: You need a large Candy or Toffee jar which is at least a foot high. Stainless Steel Cage gives a lighting fixture like feel at the bottom, while also aiding in any eventuality where the glass is broken accidentally for replacement bottle! Cage is custom designed by us.

Step 3: Use the template along with the metal sheets for centering. Place the cage and bottle inside. Now the bottle is part of the roof centering, ready for casting.

Step 4: Roof Casting

Step 5: Roof is cured. Bottle gets embedded into the roof. (You may have to clean the bottle surface)

Inspection before Centering is removed.

Step 6: After roof centering is removed! Bottles lay exposed. (This photo was taken with the camera flash on because nothing was visible in this dark area).

Step 7: Open the bottle lid, fill it with clean and pure water (preferably soft water) and add clear liquid bleach into it. The bleach prevents any kind of algae growth inside the bottle and also helps in diffusing the light the bottle captures.

Step 8: Observe Below and VOILA you have more than a flouroscent light worth of light (Tube light) from a natural and clean source and you don't even have to pay electricity bills for this light!(This photograph was taken without the camera's flashlight using the natural light in the place. Once the roof is painted white and walls painted, the light is expected to improve further)

If you are interested in using such lights, but unable to make the necessary materials required yourself, do get in touch with us at info@ideas-unlimited.in or info@ideasmfg.in. (Strictly e-mail inquiries please).

Given both our companys (Ideas Unlimited, Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited) interests in Energy efficiency and Energy Saving systems, we are more interested in promoting this technology. We also intend to offer these in a product format shortly in the near future...

Credits:

Of course, we DID NOT invent this idea. We were inspired by the Coke Light concept prevalent for many years in Philippines and the information available in public domain for this idea.



Video of the Filipino innovation in using Coke bottles for lighting up homes.
We however did  use our engineering skills to ensure that the process is achieved in a trouble free manner, with a HIGH QUALITY finish and easy maintenance. We made the concept better in this endeavor.

Ideas Manufacturing launches White colored Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS 501 series)

Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, has launched a new aesthetically appealing Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS 501 Series - Special Edition). The new sensor has an appealing look and feel and very compact in size. It can handle up to 220 Watts of electrical load, and has been designed with utmost concern to electrical safety and reliability of the product.

Special Edition Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS501 Series)

MS501 Special Edition Movement Sensor switches in White color.

To go with the white sensor, we have also launched a special powder-coated white-colored 2-Axis Swivel Clamp as well. This clamp (MSBR501 series) is now available in white powder coated finish to match the ceilings/walls and decor.

White, Powder coated MSBR501 Swivel Clamp to go with the White colored sensors.

More products in the pipeline to be launched. Watch this space.

Ideas Unlimited launches Low Cost, Miniature Movement Sensor Switches

01-Jun-2012:  In these days of high inflation rates and increasing power tariffs saving on wasted energy is no longer a luxury, but is becoming a necessity.  With the introduction of peak hour tariff rates, businesses and industries are increasingly looking for means to save energy usage and save on electricity bills every month.

Ideas Unlimited has been making Energy saving Movement Sensor Switches since April 2010. Today we have just launched mMS series (MS-501, Low Cost and Miniature Movement Sensor Switches) for use in domestic, commercial and industrial applications for saving on energy wastage when nobody is using a certain place or room. These can be used in homes, offices, shopping malls, showrooms and virtually anywhere where we can find that energy can be saved.

MS-501 - Low Cost Miniature Movement Sensor Switch next to a pen.

The unit can be directly connected to 230V AC and integrates seamlessly without requiring any change to your existing electrical wiring.

These switches are very compact in size (80 X 68 X 32 mm), aesthetically appealing and designed for high reliability. The product miniaturization is a result of our learning from earlier products.  We have also taken end user feedback to design these products and other accessories.  The MS-501 Series (or mMS) Miniature Movement Sensor Switch is designed for adaption and use in every place possible and designed to be a low cost product to handle small loads up to 220W. With the usage of contactors, heavy loads can also be driven by the same sensor. 

MSBR-501 2-Axis Swivel Mounting bracket for MS-501 Series Sensors

We also offer an optional accessory ‘MSBR-501: 2-Axis Swivel Mounting bracket for MS-501 Series Movement sensors.  This bracket can be used to mount the sensor on ceiling or wall, and allows fine adjustments of sensing zones even after the installation of sensor.

For full details, visit our website: http://www.ideas-unlimited.in 

For specific information on this new product line, visit our product page: http://www.ideas-unlimited.in/ms501.html

Power Tarrif Hike? Day Tariff burden? Reduce Energy Wastage using Movement Sensors

With increasing power tariff and inflation, saving power is assuming increasing importance. Considering the demand for energy saving products which SAVE MONEY month on month, we have been constantly developing different models of Movement Sensor Switches.

Movement Sensors (Also sometimes known as Occupancy detectors) provide the highest Return on Investment in terms of amount of energy (and money saved!) in your electricity bills.

The articles below in leading newspapers provide details about the Power Tariff hike in Karnataka effective 01-May-2012.

A new concept of 'Day Tariff' has also been introduced where in using digital meters, based on peak hours charges at higher tariff than compared to lean hours at night.

Financial Express: Karnataka increases power tariff by average 13 paise/unit
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/karnataka-increases-power-tariff-by-average-13-paise-unit/943869/0

Times of India: Industries oppose day tariff hikehttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/12945786.cms

This is the key feature of the the Karnataka Energy Regulatory Commission's Time of Day (TOD) metering scheme which has been run on a pilot basis for three years with 50 industries.

"This will give all industrial consumers an option to come to a consensus on shifting their peak loads to night. Most have digitized meters which indicate consumption levels every hour," said MR Sreenivasa Murthy, chairman, KERC.

However, industry bodies feel they're being burdened doubly. "Firstly, the tariff order is untimely ; it is the third time there has been a hike in the past two financial years. The tariff hike for HT2A consumers is Rs 1.10 per KWH, about 27% increase. For LT industrial consumers , it is 90 paise per KWH, about 25% increase. This makes industrial operations unviable," said JR Bangera, president, Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI).

In a long term view, Energy costs will further go up, as consumption only increases due to increased dependence on all kind of electrical and electronic equipment which are becoming part of our daily lives.

To understand how you can save on Electricity wastage in your organization and to save money month on month, e-mail us with you query at info@ideas-unlimited.in

Sneak Peek of New Product: Miniature and Low cost Movement Sensor Switch product

About a month and a half ago, an article on our Movement Sensor Switches and their utility for energy saving in today's times appeared in a leading Kannada daily newspaper 'Praja Vani'. The response for that article about our products was very good. In fact, we were overwhelmed by the response to the product and public interest in 'Energy Saving' from the hundreds of telephone calls we received after the Praja vani article on our Movement Sensor product lines.

Until the article in Prajavani and the subsequent phone calls, we did not have insight about the potential of this product with domestic market.

Prototype of the Sub-miniature Movement Sensor Switch next to a commonly available pen for size comparison

The response from the calls were very encouraging about the concept and the product lines, though some of the people wanted a lower priced model for domestic use. Encouraged by the response, we started thinking of developing a product that can be used both for domestic and commercial use with a low cost, (yet high reliability).

We started designing a product concept and specifications suitable for domestic use, yet cost effective to be affordable and should earn back the money invested on the product in a few months from your electricity bill. 

Last few months, we have been working on designing a Miniature and low cost Movement Sensor Switch product for domestic and commercial use. With this product we want to spread the domain of our product use to the 'Aam-Admi' as well.

After several man months of effort,  we finally are proud to put up photos of the first Beta prototype - now undergoing field trials. The product has been designed and manufactured in India, and designed for use in Indian market and to work reliably in our condition. (Including rural areas with erratic power situations)

Beta Prototype of the Miniature and Low Cost Movement Sensor Switch

Product has Shock-proof Screw-less connectors for easy installation

Product has a 2/6 minute selectable Off timer, and many more features

The product design has been exciting with the challenges of making the product as small as possible, yet have all the high reliability (defect free) aspects we have designed in the other high capacity models like (MS 102, MS 201, MS 101, MS 301 series). Miniaturizing and also adding a new feature proved extremely challenging, but in the end, the effort has really been worth it when we saw the final shape of the product emerging.

Making high reliability product in such a small form factor that operates at 230V Mains supply voltage directly was a challenge, and the prototype went through several iterations of revision of design to attain the current state which is now ready for field trials.

Pricing: To be finalized. 
Availability: End of April 2012 or Early May 2012.

We would like to know your feedback on the product. We are also looking for a catchy name for this new sub-miniature product line. Please do e-mail use at:

info@ideas-unlimited.in 

to let us know your feedback on the product and also suggestions on pricing, or naming of the product lines as well.

Brief technical specification of the Miniature Movement Sensor Switch product:

Safety Features:

Connectors: Screw Less type, Shock proof connectors
Fuse: Fuse for added electrical safety
Body: Rugged Plastic

Reliability:

Endurance: Designed for 24X7X365 days operation
High Voltage Survival: Designed to withstand at least 300+ volts and works even in erratic power situations
Ultra-High Voltage Protection: Unit has a protection circuit that opens the circuit if very high voltage is experience.

Technical Specifications:(Beta Version):

Dimensions: 80mm X 68mm X 32 mm approx.  
Fuse holder: Intutive easy to use fuse holder
Weight: Light weight (Will publish exact weight later) Load Capacity: (Low compared to all other models we have) 200W - subject to change without prior notice, by the time product is launched.
Sensor coverage area: 20'X20' Maximum for standard ceiling heights.

Usability and Utility features:

Built in flanges for easy mounting
Full isolation between loading and control circuit
Multiple units can be connected in parallel for wide area coverage.
BYPASS feature to completely disable sensor and rolling back to normal if required.


Do e-mail us your feedback at: info@ideas-unlimited.in

Relevance of Energy Saving in present times

We are planning to write a comprehensive White-Paper on Energy Saving using non-conventional methods like the usage of Movement Sensor Switches. In this regard we are inviting feedback from consumers, users and in general anyone who has an interest in energy saving.

We invite you to leave a comment on our blog or feel free to get in touch with our contact mail info@ideas-unlimited.in

We have a few points to say about Energy Consumption (directly related to your carbon footprint) and ways to reduce it. Some of the points are discussed in this blog post. The White paper will provide much more details.

Energy Conservation - A better alternative to production?
Traditionally the way of reducing energy dependence has been to generate energy using non-conventional means like Solar Power, Solar water heating, Alternate Fuels, etc. However, except for a few clean technologies which have high initial costs and low rate of ROI, some of the energy generation technologies add to the carbon footprints. Alternate fuels, though reducing dependence on Petroleum, do generate carbon in the process of converting fuel into energy. Then there is also a recurring cost on such fuels as well.

So what is the other way of looking at it? Conserving Wasted Energy is a big and clean way to reduce carbon foot-prints due to reduced consumption, rather than completely depending on more energy generation all the time.

What will be the typical ROI (Return on Investment) ?
As a first step towards this effort, we have created a Simple and Easy to Use ROI (Return on Investment) Calculator.

You can download the ROI calculator from our website by clicking on the link below:

Return on Investment Calculator Sheet

The ROI sheet provides up to 10 rows for providing data of your wasted energy in places where lights are forced to be left on for long duration (24 hours, through the night- 12 hours, 8 hours etc) along with the number of such lights and its power consumption in Watts and also the duration for which it is left on in a day.

The sheet also provides a field to input your current electricity tariff which you can type in.

As you feed the data, the sheet computes your energy wastage footprint and automatically provides you with the potential savings you can do by simply reducing wasted power! Here our Movement Sensor Switch products can help!

Relevance of Energy Saving in Present times:
In this era of global economic uncertainty and high inflation rates, Energy Saving and Conservation is becoming more and more relevant. A recent Times of India news article predicts based on recent developments that energy costs may go up by up to 35% across the country very soon!

Times of India: Jan 25, 2012: Get ready to pay more for power

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Get-ready-to-pay-more-for-power/articleshow/11623474.cms

The summary of the article published in TOI on 25-Jan-2012 is that due to the new costing structure for Coal across India, Cost of electricity production is expected to increase upto 35% across the nation. 

(Note: You can change the unit cost of electricity in the ROI Calculator sheet to new cost of electricity as well and see how much potential savings the Movement Sensor Switches can get in the near future too)

Conclusion:
Saving on wasted energy is something that is yet to catch on as a concept in India. In many western countries, several government level programs started decades ago have started to yield dividends today across the country.

As an afterthought, we want to leave you with this simple case study:

about more than a decade ago, the US government started an 'Energy Star' (Website link) program which specifically targeted energy wasted by computer monitors when left idle through the night or when nobody is using the computers. From this initiative was born the concept of monitors going to sleep when left idle for a long time and saving on a lot of energy! Today this simple but innovative features helps save several megawatts of power around the world and it is a de-facto feature in almost all computer monitors produced today. 

We welcome feedback on this post of ours. Feel free to post a reply message on this blog or get in touch with us at our e-mail id: info@ideas-unlimited.in