We have been hearing about the concept of eco-friendly and green technologies for quite some time, but what we are going to cover today has the potential to redefine the word. A Dutch designer Teresa van Dongen has designed an astonishing LED pendant lamp which doesn’t need any electricity to lighten up. Instead, it uses living, breathing and electrochemically active bacteria.
This remarkable lamp is called “Spark of Light,” and is a continuation of van Dongen’s previous work where he harnessed bioluminescent bacteria. The lamp’s bulb is not extraordinary in shape, and the key difference from contemporary bulbs is that it doesn’t require any plugs or batteries to work. The organisms within have to be bred and fed; and in return, they continue producing light for you!
The spherical shaped lamp is divided into four separate compartments, each containing the bacteria. When the bacteria are fully satisfied and fed, they constantly give off small electrical currents. These currents are then harnessed and sent into an electrode placed within each compartment, which powers the LEDs placed the centre of the spherical light.
This amazing pendant of light was showcased last month during 2016 Dutch Design Week. Van Dongen revealed in an interview that only a teaspoon of acetate every two weeks is required to keep the bulbs glowing without any additional electricity, 24 hours a day. The spheres do need to be cleaned though after every few months, and the supply of tap water, salt, and vitamins also need to be refuelled.
The Spark of Life is one of the most fascinating additions to the zero-electricity lighting products, which are becoming more and more evident. Hopefully, we will be seeing this game-changing technology pretty soon in our markets.
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