Linterna sustentable ‘Emergency Light’ - Fractal

Emergency Light: A Sustainable Innovation

Concept and Development of the Emergency Light

• The students from Tecnológico de Monterrey created a sustainable flashlight that operates without batteries, designed for emergency situations like earthquakes. Roberto Francisco Ponce shares insights from his conversation with them.

• The project, named "Emergency Light," utilizes sodium-rich liquids such as soda instead of alkaline batteries. Their energy source is based on an electron exchange process.

• The idea was inspired by the 2017 earthquakes in Mexico City, which left many without electricity for hours. Observations showed that people relied heavily on flashlights and batteries during these emergencies.

• This innovation addresses the high consumption of alkaline batteries in Mexico and aims to support communities lacking electrical services during natural disasters.

• Six prototypes have been developed at the Santa Fe campus of Tecnológico de Monterrey, focusing on improving ergonomics while ensuring viability and acceptance in future iterations.

Environmental Impact and Business Model

• The construction materials are recycled, promoting an eco-friendly product. Just 30 milliliters of sodium-rich liquid can produce light equivalent to a conventional handheld flashlight.

• This project is significant as it avoids using highly polluting alkaline batteries that contaminate water and soil. The materials used are either recycled or recyclable.

• Their business model will focus on direct sales to sustainable technology companies, social organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts. They seek investors to help bring their product to market successfully.