Outdoor lighting using wind-solar hybrid renewable energy sources

Date:
May 25, 2014
Source:
University of Malaya
The Eco-GreenergyTM Wind-Solar Outdoor Lighting System.
As an outcome from the continuous hybrid renewable energy research, an innovative outdoor lighting
system powered by a shroud-augmented wind turbine and a solar panel was installed in the KL campus
of University of Malaya (UM). This hybrid green energy system is a compact design that harmoniously
integrates a vertical-axis-wind-turbine (VAWT) with the novel omni-direction-guide-vane (ODGV), solar
panel and LED lighting system. Consisting of several guide vanes, the ODGV is carefully designed and
placed to surround the VAWT for wind power augmentation where the oncoming wind is guided
through the ODGV. This will create a venturi effect that increases the wind speed before the wind-
stream interacts with the turbine blades. Furthermore, the unique design of the ODGV that shrouds the
wind turbine rotor provides a safer and more secure environment for maintenance workers and the
public.
Ultimately, the ODGV overcomes the low wind speed challenge in the tropics by guiding and increasing
the speed of the wind from all directions radially through the guide-vanes before entering the VAWT at
center portion. To harness power from the sun, a photovoltaic panel is mounted on the top surface of
the ODGV for solar energy generation. The green energy generated from this wind-solar hybrid system is
utilized to power the outdoor lighting system.
The team led by Dr. Chong Wen Tong was awarded a Pre-commercialized Prototype Fund to develop
and install the product at suitable locations in the campus. The fund was provided by UM via UM Center
of Innovation and Commercialization (UMCIC). The first unit was installed next to the outdoor
gymnasium, opposite 1st Residential College. This unit will serve as the first full-scale trial and as a
showcase unit of the product. Improvements on the design and features will be included in the next
units. For the commercialization of this product, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been
signed between UM and a private company, Master Shanghai Turnparts Sdn. Bhd. (MSTSB). MSTSB has
provided great assistance in enhancing the product. The second unit of the product is currently in the
final stages of fabrication and testing.
The product is protected by three intellectual properties and a trademark, all of which is owned by UM.
It also has won several awards in local and international exhibitions. With a motto 'Lighting-up UM', the
team aims to provide a sustainable solution for energy efficient and quality lighting powered by wind-
solar hybrid renewable energy sources.
Summary of the product
The product is a part of an UMRG project led by Dr. Chong Wen Tong. The product is called "Eco-
GreenergyTM Wind-Solar Outdoor Lighting System" and it is self-sustained, i.e. powered by the
shrouded vertical-axis-wind-turbine generator and solar PV panel. The novelty of the product is achieved
through the wind power augmentation of the guide-vanes assembly known as the omni-direction-guide-
vane (ODGV). The guide-vanes can be made from clear and translucent material to act as light-plates.
Moreover, logos or symbols can be engraved on these plates for showcasing purposes. The solar PV is
positioned at the top portion of the ODGV to avoid interference resulting from shadow. The batteries
and the controller are stored at the top of the pole and below the ODGV to avoid vandalism or flash
floods. The overall "clean" impression of the product compared to other conventional wind-solar lamp
posts serves as an added advantage for this product.
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Malaya. Note: Materials may be edited
for content and length.
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University of Malaya. "Outdoor lighting using wind-solar hybrid renewable energy sources."
ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 May 2014.
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