LuminAID is an inflatable solar light designed for use in emergency situations and to replace expensive, polluting kerosene based lighting in developing countries.
Previously known as the Solar Pillow or Light Pillow and based on a design created at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, LuminAID utilises flexible solar cells that are laminated to a patterned PEVA bag.
When inflated, the LuminAID produces a quality of light similar to a lantern. While LED lights tend to be directional, the patterning on the bag diffuses the light, allowing it to cover a wider area.
Measuring around 23cm by 23cm when inflated and fully waterproof, the LuminAID solar light provides 4 hours of 35 lumens on its high setting for reading/task work and 6 hours of 20 lumens on the low setting for safety/night light applications. Charging time is approximately 6 hours and coin-cell batteries in the unit can be recharged around 800 times.
One of the advantages of the system is its compact size when deflated; meaning more can be packed within a shipping carton compared to other lighting tools, such as torches. According to LuminAID Lab, around 50 LuminAID units can be packed and shipped for every 8 mini solar flashlights.
While the focus of the project is to supply these lights free of charge to people in developing countries, under a “Give Light, Get Light” campaign on IndieGoGo, USD $25 (plus $15 for international shipping) will pre-buy you one light and gives another to someone in need in countries where the project is operating; such as such as Nigeria, Peru and Haiti. The initiative has a goal of 1,000 lights.
The campaign page notes: “Your gift of light will give one student 4 more hours to study at night. It will allow one small business owner to stay open for a few extra hours.”
