Intelligent Power Out Flashlight

Background:

Today, more than ever, power transmission systems are frail and unreliable. From such disasters as the northeast blackout of 2003 to simply tripping a circuit breaker, reliable backup systems are necessary all over the world. If a backup lighting system is widely available, a power outage will be less likely to disrupt the countless households that are affected each year. A reliable, intelligent hand held back up lighting system would provide the basic necessity of light to ensure that people everywhere will be able to continue to perform their day to day activities in the event of a power outage.

Problem Statement:

Modern backup flashlight systems do not provide a sufficient combination of intelligence, simplicity, and flexibility. Our intelligent backup system will provide each user with light, even in the event of a power outage. The flashlight will have outstanding performance from super bright LEDs and a long lasting battery and simple, seamless integration of solar, manual and A/C power. Including an two alternative energy sources into this backup system means it has the potential to cross all boundaries of society allowing use in both developed and undeveloped cultures.

Team Members:

David Beckman beckmada@email.uc.edu
Joshua Bell bellj3@email.uc.edu

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. David Klotzkin

Goal:

Our goal is to create an intelligent flashlight that will turn on automatically if the power fails and it is dark. The flashlight will be constantly connected to an AC power source, serving as the primary source for charging the battery.

Subgoals:

1. Explore the possibility of incorporating solar power and a hand crank generator into the unit.

2. Develop a type of visual feedback indicating battery level and/or expected performance of the unit.

3. Explore the possibility of varying light intensity. Being able to vary the light’s intensity will allow the user to choose a less intense (less power consumption) or more intense (more power consumption) light to control how battery power is used.

4. Explore the possibility of incorporating a strobe function if it is ever required for an emergency.

Helpful Skills:

• Experience with and a desire to work with alternative energy sources.

• Creative product design.

• Circuit design.