Shedding light in Madagascar
Client: ToughStuff International Ltd
Consultant: Dr David Howey, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Expertise: Durability and efficiency of LED circuits used in solar powered lighting
Our consultants shared their expertise in electronics to help ToughStuff International Ltd confirm the durability and efficiency of LED circuits used in their solar powered lighting, which is designed to withstand challenging conditions.
The Challenge
ToughStuff International manufacture solar panels, LED rechargeable lamps and rechargeable battery packs, and have a strong social and environmental ethos.
Nearly a quarter of the world’s population live without electricity and 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.
By way of providing a sustainable solution to this problem, ToughStuff improved an existing LED driver circuit design to be able to sustain the challening weather conditions in Madagascar and needed an independent review of the comparative performance of their circuits in order to assure durability and high efficiency.
The Solution
Dr Howey’s specialist knowledge in energy conversion and storage, including electronics and instrumentation carried out the independent review and concluded:
ToughStuff have developed robust, well engineered and low cost solar powered LED lights which are [able to sustain the weather conditions] in Madagascar and a number of African countries
Dr David Howey
Research Associate – Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London
The Impact
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.
Dr. Howey comments:
Our work will enable ToughStuff to move forward with their latest circuit design with confidence
Dr David Howey
Research Associate – Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London
Adriaan Mol, Operations Director at ToughStuff comments:
Without much bureaucracy we got down to business quickly and they produced great results rapidly
Adriaan Mol
Operations Director – ToughStuff
Since the project’s completion, ToughStuff have enlisted the help of Dr Howey, through Imperial Consultants, for future work.
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