SALt Lamp

Pinay scientist creates lamp that runs on saltwater

                  Rhys Buccat, ABS-CBNnews.com

                  Posted at 08/02/15 4:43 PM

MANILA – “To light up the rest of the Philippines sustainably” was the vision of Filipina scientist Aisa Mijeno when she made the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp. The SALt Lamp is an environment-friendly and sustainable alternative light source that runs on saltwater, making it suitable to those who live in coastal areas. It can also function well in remote barrios. With just two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water, this ecologically designed lamp can run for eight hours.

“It is made of tediously experimented and improved chemical compounds, catalysts, and metal alloys that when submerged in electrolytes will generate electricity,” Mijeno explained in an interview with ABS-CBN.

Aisa holding her SALt Lamp

Because of its inspiring vision and ground-breaking innovation, the SALt lamp has received various awards and recognition from organizations in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. It has also won in several competitions here and abroad.

Safe alternative to traditional lamps

According to Mijeno, the idea behind the SALt lamp is the chemical conversion of energy. It utilizes the scientific process behind the Galvanic cell, but instead of electrolytes, the SALt lamp uses saline solution, making it harmless and non-toxic.

Compared with kerosene lamp, the SALt lamp is also a lot safer, Mijeno stressed since it does not have components and compounds that may spark fire. Moreover, it does not emit toxic gases and leaves minimal carbon footprint. “This isn’t just a product. It’s a social movement,” she said.

Although the SALt lamp is not yet being mass-produced, Mijeno and her team have been working intensively with non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and charitable foundations, among others.

These organizations aid in the purchase and distribution of the SALt lamps to remote communities where electricity is scarce, or worse, not available.

A sustainable light for the Philippines

Mijeno said that her experience working with an environmental organization made her realize the need for an alternative source of light, especially in rural areas of the Philippines.

“I used to be part of Greenpeace Philippines and did personal immersions/volunteers across rural communities, and there I learned so many things. Most of these people are so poor and underprivileged that they endure long hours of walking just to get kerosene for their lamps,” Mijeno recalled.

Currently, for every SALt lamp that is bought, one lamp is given to a selected family.

“Our main focus is on the island communities that do not have access to electricity and have no financial capacity for acquiring alternative source of electricity,” Mijeno added.

Source:

ABS-CBN News

Photo credits:

PinasTrending.com

SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle

Pinoy-made Salamander amphibious trike can tackle land and water

                         Vernon B. Sarne

                         TopGear, Jan 21, 2015

If you're into car customization, the name Atoy Llave will certainly ring a bell. The man behind A-Toy Bodykits and the company's aftermarket exterior designs is quite popular among Filipino car lovers. The curious thing you see here--the Salamander amphibious trike--is Llave's latest creation. He made this in partnership with a new company called H2O Technologies, developing it in particular with the firm's technical head, Lamberto Armada.

SALAMANDER trikes

Because it is amphibious, the Salamander can travel both on land and in water. It stemmed from Llave's desire to do something really useful for the benefit of his countrymen. That and his wish to put the Philippines on the global automotive map.

"I want to show the world that the Filipino can," Llave told TopGear.com.ph.

As you read this, Llave and his partners are launching the thing somewhere in Mandaluyong (near our office, actually). It's a big night for the group. They have been toiling day and night in order to seamlessly roll out the Salamander before the critical eyes of the motoring press.

Last month, Llave gave us exclusive access to the Salamander. It was for a full-length magazine story that will appear in our February issue. Writer Niky Tamayo was able to test it for himself, and you will read his initial impressions in our next issue.

The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and one internal-combustion. Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious tricycle is powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc gasoline motor. We assume these are the target specs for the production version, because the provisional spec sheet still mentions a 3kW electric engine and a 200cc motor. (Watch the video at the bottom.)

"I've already achieved so much in the car business," Llave shared. "Now, I want to leave behind a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people."

SALAMANDER in water

Llave, of course, is referring to our country being flood-prone. Imagine having an amphibious vehicle like this when the water rises. The Salamander will also be practical as a shuttle vehicle in between small islands all around the archipelago.

The only hurdle? As with any brilliant Filipino idea, there is currently a lack of funding, which Llave hopes to get as soon as word spreads about his newest brainchild. We hope a wealthy businessman with patriotic and philanthropic intentions is reading this. The Salamander is waiting to be developed, polished and marketed to the world.

Atoy Llave is right: The Filipino can.

Watch the video here:

For a more comprehensive story on the Salamander, read the February 2015 TopGear issue.

Source: 

TopGear

Photo & video credits:

TopGear by Christian Halili

TopGear in YouTube