AU2015100991A4 - Solar conversion kit - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method and kit (400) for converting a carbon-based fuel illumination device to an electrical illumination device. The kit comprises an electrical power source (470) and an electrical illumination source (420) and a control apparatus (460/410). The method involves removing fuel from a fuel reservoir along with the burner and control mechanism of a conventional kerosene lantern. The kit (400) is adapted for substantial containment within the illumination device by substantially replacing the carbon-based fuel burner assembly. In this way, the resultant device looks and operates in a manner similar to a conventional kerosene lantern but does not have the safety and health risks associated with the a conventional lantern. eo% I')

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing illumination and particularly but only for replacing current illumination sources in under-developed and developing countries. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] It is estimated over 1.5 billion people in the world, or more than a fifth of the world's population are without access to reliable electricity and modern lighting. [0004] In under-developed and developing nations, illumination is typically provided by means of burning oil or fuel such as in kerosene lanterns. These lanterns are cheap to manufacture and simple to use. However while kerosene is an easily obtainable fuel source, recent surveys have shown that rural and urban families can spend over a third of their income on such fuel. This clearly has significant impacts on the ability of families to lift themselves out of the poverty cycle. [0005] There are additional problems associated with the use of kerosene lanterns, not the least of which is that they do not provide sufficient illumination for the various activities which would be conducted in a typical home eg. light for cooking and eating, illumination for other activities such as reading which is particularly important for children's education. [0006] The main difficulty associated with kerosene lanterns relate to health and safety. Kerosene lanterns bring significant health risks such as respiratory and eye problems. The World Bank estimates nearly 800 million women and children breathing the particulate laden kerosene fumes inhale the equivalent smoke of two packets of cigarettes a day. Nearly two thirds of adult female lung cancer victims in these developing nations are non-smokers. [0007] Most countries relying on kerosene lamps are generally poor and cannot afford a proper kerosene bottle or safety wicks. They generally rely on fragile glass bottles for transport and a piece of rope or cloth for the wick. In many countries burns from improperly used or -2 overturned kerosene lamps are extremely common. Many homes and entire communities burn to the ground when lamps are accidentally knocked over. [0008] As mentioned above, kerosene lanterns also generally provide a dim and ill-defined illumination. Typically a kerosene lantern produces around a few lumens compared to several hundreds of lumens produced by LED or incandescent bulbs. [0009] Lastly, there is an environmental cost to the widespread use of kerosene lamps due to their carbon dioxide emissions. It has been estimated several hundred million tonnes of C02 emissions are produced by the developing world using kerosene lanterns. [0010] It has been estimated there are around 1.7 billion kerosene lanterns in circulation across the under developed and developing world killing more people that aids, tubulous and malaria combined and providing environmental damage which is the equivalent of 100 million cars on the roads (wherein most places there are no roads). [0011] Accordingly in an attempt to address some of these issues various options have been provided to reduce the usage of kerosene lamps. These have generally been based on replacing the kerosene lamp with an electrical lantern or torches, sometimes with rechargeable batteries. However, there is a familiarity with the kerosene lamp, which produces reluctance on the part of the users to throw away the lamps. The growth of electrical lanterns and torches including solar lanterns has not reduced kerosene use because most people in poverty now regard themselves as fortunate if they have two lights in their household. Further, even if the kerosene lanterns are replaced, they are simply moved to another village or home and used with kerosene. It would be advantageous if the kerosene lamps could be more effectively used while still overcoming some of the aforementioned problems. [0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of converting a carbon based fuel illumination device wherein said illumination device comprises a frame, fuel reservoir, a control mechanism and selectively controllable burner to provide illumination, said method comprising replacing said fuel with an electrical power source, replacing said control mechanism and/or burner with an electrical, illumination source operatively connected to said -3 electrical power source and incorporating an electrical control switch to control illumination of said illumination source, said electrical power source, illumination source and control being adapted for substantial containment within said illumination device. [0014] The term "substantial containment" within the said illumination device refers to incorporation the electrical illumination source, electrical power source and control apparatus within the structure of the conventional carbon-based fuel illumination device e.g. kerosene lantern such that the device still appears to look the same as a normal kerosene lantern. [0015] Preferably the electrical power source is a rechargeable battery and the electrical illumination source are LED's. [0016] In a preferred embodiment, the attached system is adapted to replace a kerosene lantern. As will be discussed below, kerosene lanterns generally have a hollow base for receiving and containing the kerosene. A wick then extends into the fuel reservoir. The upper end of the wick is lit and the length of wick exposed by a suitable control mechanism. Generally a glass shroud is also included to improve spread of illumination and, at least to some extent, provide a safety barrier. The present invention provides a quick, safe and functional replacement of this fuel reservoir/wick arrangement in the kerosene lantern. It provides a resultant device which looks and performs the same as the kerosene lantern but does not have any of the same detrimental health or safety issues associated with a kerosene lantern. [0017] In one embodiment, the illumination provided by the modified device can be the same as a standard kerosene or can be greater if desired. In some instances, it may be necessary to provide the LED's with an illumination similar to or identical to a kerosene lantern i.e. a few lumens. Preferably, however, the device can increase its illumination either by increasing the brightness of the LED's or increasing the number of LED's. [0018] In a further embodiment, the present invention comprises a kit for converting a carbon based fuel illumination device to an electrical device, said kit comprising an electrical power source, an electrical illumination source operatively connected to the electrical power source and a control apparatus, said kit being adapted for substantial containment within said illumination device by substantially replacing the carbon-based fuel burner assembly and fuel source.

-4 [0019] The kit allows fast and reliable conversion of the kerosene lantern. It is envisaged that such conversion of a kerosene lantern would only take a few minutes and cost no more than one or two refills with the kerosene lantern thereby giving an incentive to convert or at the very least incentive to retain the kerosene lantern. [0020] The rechargeable source can be connected to any suitable recharge facility such as a solar panel, mechanical recharging facility or indeed an electrical outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0021] Figure 1 is a diagram of a conventional kerosene lamp; [0022] Figure 2 is a diagram of a kerosene lamp converted according to the present invention; [0023] Figures 3A & 3B shows the components of the conversion kit in accordance with a first embodiment the present invention; [0024] Figure 4 is a diagram relating to installation of the conversion kit in a conventional kerosene lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and [0025] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the converted kerosene lamp in a use/recharge configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [0026] Figure 6A & 6B shows the components of the conversion kit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. [0027] Figure 7 shows the process of converting a kerosene lamp to a solar powered lamp in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0028] Turning first to Figure 1, this embodiment shows a conventional kerosene lamp 10 comprising a fuel reservoir 15, frame 30 and glass housing or "chimney" 25. A burner assembly 20 includes a wick 21. Knob 27 controls the length of wick exposed above the burner 20 within the glass housing 25.

-5 [0029] The fuel reservoir 15 includes a removable cap 16 for topping up with suitable fuel such as kerosene. [0030] As described above, there are multiple safety and health issues associated with the use of such a conventional kerosene lamp. One of the most damaging is the particulate laden smoke 40 which emanates from the kerosene lantern. In addition, the lanterns tend to be top heavy since the base is only weighed down by the weight of the fuel. Tipping and leakage of fuel is an ever present problem. [0031] The present invention does away with the aforementioned safety and health problems associated with kerosene lamps by providing a fast, rapid and reliable conversion system for the kerosene lantern which not only "disables" the potential life-threatening issues associated with the kerosene lantern, but provides a familiar usable alternative to the kerosene lantern. [0032] As shown in Figure 2, the converted lantern 100 comprises a base 150 within which is provided a power source e.g. rechargeable batteries. The glass housing/chimney 250 remains but as will be discussed, no longer provides a "chimney" function per se. As will be discussed below, the burner assembly 20 and fuel of the lantern is replaced by a conversion kit 400 which includes illumination source 420 along with suitable control means 460 and a power source 470 (not visible) as will be discussed below. The frame 300 of the lantern essentially remains unmodified, apart from the base 150 which will no longer hold fuel. This results in a lantern which is familiar to user and is a simple, safe and environmentally clean replacement for the kerosene lantern. Control mechanism 460 replaces the cap 16 of the conventional lantern and allows the device to be operated in various modes as discussed below. [0033] Turning now to Figures 3A and 3B, the various components of the conversion kit 400 will now be discussed. The conversion kit 400 comprises a series of components. These components can be provided separately or preferably as a combined kit. [0034] The kit 400 comprises a housing 450 sized to hold a power source 470 e.g. batteries and fit within the base 150 (see Figure 2) of the kerosene lantern frame 300. A base 440 of a suitable resilient material may be provided for sealing the lantern base 150 as will be discussed below. The conversion kit 400 may incorporate rechargeable battery 470 as shown although it is possible that the conversion kit could include conventional replaceable batteries.

-6 [0035] As mentioned above the conversion kit 400 also includes control mechanism 460 sized preferably to fit and seal the opening in the base 150 normally reserved for filling with kerosene. A PCB (printed circuit board) 410 is attached to housing 450 and connected to control unit 460 and battery pack 470. The kit 400 also includes an illumination source 410. The illumination source comprises preferably LEDs connected to the PCB. A support 430 is arranged to hold the LED lights in a position approximating the normal flame of a kerosene lantern. [0036] In a preferred embodiment the LED illumination source has a light output similar to the standard kerosene lantern. This has a number of benefits. Firstly, and most importantly, it provides a device which is virtually identical in function to a standard kerosene lantern. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, familiarity with a device is most important in some developing and under-developed countries. Providing a device which is excessively bright or provides illumination different from the kerosene lantern may intimidate users to such an extent that they will revert back to a standard kerosene lantern. One of the great advantages of the present invention is that it does not intend to provide better illumination but rather an alternative source of illumination with which a user or family is familiar. [0037] This will also convince users to convert their standard kerosene lanterns to the arrangement provided by the present invention rather than holding on to conventional kerosene lanterns as a back up or additional light source. [0038] The conversion kit according to the present invention can be seen as a combined unit in Figure 3B. [0039] Figure 4 shows how the kit if incorporated in the lamp. [0040] Firstly, the lower wall or floor of the fuel reservoir 15/150 is cut away and the interior thoroughly cleaned of any residual fuel. The burner base 20 of the kerosene lantern along with the wick 21 is also removed. Installation is then simply a case of inserting the illumination source 410 with housing 450 (batteries 470 included) into the vacant space left in the frame 300. Resilient base 440 then closes the aperture formed in the floor of the lantern. As shown in Figure 4 the control mechanism 460 is provided where the fuel cap 16 normally resides.

-7 [0041] The control unit 460 comprises a simply on/off switch 465 and recharging port 460. The recharging port can be connected to any suitable recharging device such as a solar panel as seen in Figure 5 or any other suitable recharge device such as a mechanical recharger. [0042] Figures 6A & 6B show an alternative embodiment of the conversion kit. This kit has a slightly different illumination system to the embodiments shown in Figures 2-5. In this embodiment, the conversion kit includes light source 500, locking nut 600 and optionally a mini solar panel 700. [0043] As shown in Figures 6A & 6B the illumination source 500 comprises a transparent housing 550 formed as two connectible halves. The power source 570, PCB 510 and LED illumination 520 are all held within the transparent housing 550. A control mechanism 560 is similarly included on the housing itself. It will be noted that the transparent housing 550 includes a threaded exterior adapted to match the threading of lock nut 600. Providing a single housing 550 incorporating all power and control features of the conversion kit produces a simpler device which is more reliably installed and used as will now be explained in regard to figure 7. [0044] As shown in Figure 7, "step 1" is the same as the earlier embodiment in a sense that the bottom floor of the lantern is cut out and the interior of the fuel reservoir thoroughly cleaned including removal of the burner/wick assembly. The locking nut 600 is then placed above the fuel reservoir below the glass housing, approximately in the position of the conventional burner. The housing 550 is then threaded through the bottom of the lantern into the locking nut such that it is locked in place as shown under "step 2" of figure 7. [0045] "Step 3" optionally involves attaching the solar panel 700 to the lantern itself such that the light is continuously charged when not in use. Activation of the light occurs by simply pressing the control mechanism 560 through the lower floor of the lantern. The resulting solar powered electrical lantern shown in "step 4" of figure 7 is a reliable safe and "familiar" device for use in under developed and developing countries. [0046] As can be seen from the embodiments shown, the resultant lantern looks like a conventional lantern. It operates in a manner similar to a conventional lantern apart from the complete avoidance of any health or safety issues brought about by the use of burning kerosene lanterns in confined spaces. It is expected that the conversion process would only take a few minutes and would cost no more than the equivalent to fill the kerosene lantern on a -8 few occasions. Indeed, a new industry could be created whereby instead of the lanterns being filled with kerosene they are simply converted over to solar power in the space of a few minutes. [0047] It will be understood that additional variations can be made to the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. A method of converting a carbon-based fuel illumination device wherein said illumination device comprises a frame, fuel reservoir, a control mechanism and selectively controllable burner to provide illumination, said method comprising replacing said fuel with an electrical power source, replacing said control mechanism and/or burner with an electrical, illumination source operatively connected to said electrical power source and incorporating an electrical control switch to control illumination of said illumination source, said electrical power source, illumination source and control being adapted for substantial containment within said illumination device.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower most floor of the fuel reservoir is removed, along with the burner and control mechanism, the device is thoroughly cleaned of any residual fuel, an illumination source is threaded through an aperture left by the removed burner to a position approximate to a normal flame height, the electrical power source is placed within the cavity and operatively connected the electrical power source, the electrical controls section being connected to both the illumination source and power source.

3. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical illumination source, electrical power source and electrical control switch are provided in or on a single housing.

4. A kit for converting a carbon based fuel illumination device to an electrical device, said kit comprising an electrical power source, an electrical illumination source operatively connected the electrical power source and a control apparatus, said kit being adapted for substantial containment within said illumination device by substantially replacing the carbon based fuel burner assembly and fuel source.

5. A kit as claimed in claim 4 further including a rechargeable mechanism, preferably a solar panel, for recharging the electrical power source.