Electronics you can rely on
Today, nearly a quarter of the world’s population live without electricity. Those affected are traditionally under served by the commercial sector and can be forced to pay above the odds for environmentally damaging energy alternatives, such as batteries and kerosene lamps. ToughStuff, an international company with a strong social and environmental ethos, aims to alleviate these problems through designing affordable solar-powered energy solutions for the developing world.
“I am interested in and enthusiastic about ToughStuff’s small scale, people sized approach and the fact that they are a social enterprise,” says Dr. David Howey, a Research Associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and an Imperial Consultant. Dr Howey’s speciality lies in energy conversion and storage, including electronics and instrumentation, so when ToughStuff needed an expert to take a look at their LED lights, he was only too happy to help.
“Without much bureaucracy we got down to business quickly and they produced great results rapidly,” says Operations Director for ToughStuff, Adriaan Mol. Imperial Consultants take care of all the contractual and administrative work so that the academic can focus on the project.
“Toughstuff have developed robust, well engineered and low cost solar powered LED lights which are sold in Madagascar and a number of African countries,” says Dr. Howey. “Recently they have improved their LED driver circuit design and they wished to have an independent review of the comparative performance of their circuits in order to assure durability and high efficiency.”
People living on low-incomes in developing countries rely on long-lasting products that can withstand harsh climates as well as significant wear and tear. Efficiency and durability are key and Dr Howey, working together with colleague Dr. Paul Mitcheson, was able to confirm that ToughStuff's LED light electronics met their comprehensive specification.
Having the influence of Imperial College underpinning a project can make results all the more meaningful. As Dr. Howey puts it, “Our work will enable ToughStuff to move forward with their latest circuit design with confidence.”
Since the project’s completion, ToughStuff have enlisted the help of Dr. Howey, through Imperial Consultants, for future work.
Services available
- Electronic circuit test and measurement
- Design advice
For more information on how you could utilise the electronics expertise of Dr. David Howey and his Imperial College colleagues, please contact us.
