Panasonic Develops Small-scale Power Storage System

BY Editor

Panasonic develops small-scale power storage system –Nov 06, 2015– Osaka, Japan (Techreleased) – Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed “eneloop solar storage,” a small-scale power storage system that provides LED lighting for areas without mains electricity. The product will be shipped to regions in Asia and Africa from November 2015.

eneloop solar storage

The product is a compact power harvesting, storage, and lighting system. Electric power generated by solar cells during the day is stored in a nickel-metal hydride battery unit. This can then be used as a selectable night light and power source for charging small items of equipment, such as cellphones.

At present, 1.3 billion people worldwide live in areas with no or intermittent mains electricity. This means that approximately 20% of the world’s population (one person in five) lives without enjoying the advantages of electricity. In most non-electrified areas, people use kerosene lamps, rechargeable lanterns, diesel generators, etc., to provide lighting. However, these forms of lighting equipment have numerous drawbacks, including toxic exhaust, low levels of illumination, and high running costs. Cellphone networks are, however, widespread in these areas, despite the lack of an equipment-recharging infrastructure.

Panasonic is committed to the reliable supply of clean and safe light and power. This commitment led to the production of its “Solar Lantern” in 2013-a portable lantern that provides non-electrified areas with the light that people need. Now the company has added “eneloop solar storage” to its lineup of products. The product comes with a straight tube LED and a bulb-type LED, which deliver bright, high-quality light, and the unit can also be used as a high-capacity power source for charging multiple cellphones. The new product will be marketed not only through existing sales dealers but also via international organizations such as NPOs and NGOs that are helping people living in non-electrified areas to develop a better standard of living environment.

Features

Usage

The product can be used for lighting in homes, hospitals, schools, stores, etc., and as a power source for recharging small-scale equipment, such as cellphones.

Countries for product release

Africa – Ethiopia, Tanzania, etc.
Asia – Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, etc.

eneloop solar storage Features in Detail

1. Equipped with two types of LED lamps offering 1.5 W (bulb-type) and 5 W (straight tube) power output

The product comes with a 1.5 W bulb-type LED and a 5 W dimmable straight-tube LED. The LEDs are fitted with a 5 m cable that enables the lamps to be used in different rooms.When the product is fully charged, this combination of LEDs can provide uninterrupted light for approximately 5 – 24 hours.

2. Expected life for approximately 5 years, thanks to the Panasonic nickel- metal hydride battery.

Panasonic has adopted highly durable nickel-metal hydride battery cells that have also been utilized for backup devices, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs). Thanks to these battery cells, it has achieved an expected product lifespan of about 5 years.

3. Fully charges in about 5 hours with power from the high-power solar panel.

The built-in nickel-metal hydride battery can be fully charged in about 5 hours using the power from the 15 W high-power solar panel.

4. Equipped with a USB socket that enables the product to charge cellphones, smartphones, etc.

The product is also equipped with a 1 A USB socket that allows the fully-charged product to charge up to three smartphones.

5. Dust proof/spray proof structure equivalent to protection grade IP52 specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards