Potato Powered Lamp as an Alternative Light

Source

ABSTRACT

Potato is usually used by a lot of people as an alternative source of carbohydrates instead

of rice. However, it is also proven that it can be used as an alternative source of energy which
produces electricity equivalent to 3 AA batteries capable of powering simple technology. In
relation, the researchers would want to test the efficacy of potato to light a bulb by making a potato
powered lamp. The purpose of this research is to prove the feasibility of using potatoes as an
alternative light source. With the use of a few household products, a potato can be used to power
a bulb. The test will vary from the number of potatoes used and the light bulb. After all these, the
potato powered lamp is expected to generate favorable results to act as a solution to some areas’
where the light source is a problem and to contribute to society.

INTRODUCTION

Potatoes are widely known vegetables from all parts of the world. French fries, hash
browns, and potato chips are just a few ways on how potatoes can be consumed. However, there
is also a unique and innovative way to consume potatoes for they can generate power due to their
high acidity and potassium ions. According to Grigson (2013), a raw potato consists of only 0.5
volts of energy; but if it is boiled, the tuber will produce 5 volts of electrical energy – that is 10
times more electrical energy than its original amount. On the other hand, an AA battery cell has
1.5 volts and a rechargeable AA battery cell has approximately 1.2 volts. If a potato is boiled, the
electrical energy it would produce is equivalent to three (3) AA battery cells. The rationale of this
research is to prove how much power a potato can produce to light up a bulb and its efficiency as
an alternative light source.

Clarete (2018) claimed that the Department of Energy (DoE) estimated that in order to
meet the increasing electrical energy needs, the country will have to triple the existing electrical
energy capacity by the year 2040. However, currently, there are still several places in the
Philippines that are experiencing problems with light sources. As such experience sudden power
outage that lasts for hours or days, while some have only limited access to electrical energy.

An article that Reeder (2017) wrote explained that a potato itself will not be able to
provide electrical energy, it contains salt, water, cells, and other components that contribute to
the electrodes, copper, and zinc metal, which is connected to the device or electronics. However,
water itself is not conducive; the minerals in it are. The electrical energy travels through the cells
because of the water and salt. When a potato is boiled, it will produce 10 times more electrical
energy than its usual amount. In line with this, water dissolves salt. Salt breaks up into ions,
conducting positive and negative charges to give power to a device or such.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study will focus mainly on the capacity of the potato to exert energy to power a lamp
which can be used as an alternative light source. The condition such as cleanliness and
compatibility of each material that is used to create the lamp will also be considered as well as the
wattages necessary to power the lamp to guarantee the safety and full potential of the experiment.

QUESTIONS/ OBJECTIVES

The general objective of the researchers is to gather data to prove the feasibility of potatoes
as a battery for lamps. In order to fulfill the general objective, the researchers’ goal is to develop
a gadget that will produce light in case of a power surge which may cause blackouts. Furthermore,
the researchers would also like to know if it would be more efficient than candles.

This study aims to answer the following question:

1. How bright is the Potato Powered Lamp?

2. How is the Potato Powered Lamp different from any other fluorescent lamps?
3. How is the Potato Powered Lamp cost-efficient in the long run?

4. Is using potato-powered lamps efficient compared to using candles as a light source?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Innovative Companies. This study can serve as a basis of an innovative product, if used and
handled properly, it can solve the problem of power in areas in which electricity is scarce, it will
also cause environmental effect since it used biological material such as potato, instead of using
elements that are harmful to the environment.

Students. This study may serve as a guide and reference to students that would like to make a
similar study. And it can also serve as a science experiment that could introduce new information
to students.

Teachers. This study may serve as a guide in their lessons. They can spread and disseminate
information about the related topic.

Future Researchers. This research will be a useful reference for future researchers who would
plan to make any related study.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

According to Integrated Publishing (n.d.), Battery Theory explains the process of how batteries work and
state that the purpose of the battery is to store chemical energy and to convert this chemical energy into
electrical energy. Hence, the researchers will be using the chemical energy stored inside the potato and use
zinc and copper strips which will act as electrodes to create a current and light a LED bulb.
 METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers will be using a quantitative research design, particularly true experimental
design in determining the efficiency of potato-powered lamps. The true experimental design relies
on statistical analysis to prove a hypothesis and has the capability to establish a cause and effect
relationship (Question Pro, nd). With this research design and with a thorough analysis of the
variables, the researchers will be able to further understand the idea behind the potato-powered
lamp and to collect accurate data for further improvement like its efficiency, longevity and how
will it attract the target market.

Data Collection

After constructing all the components of the product, the potato-powered lamp, the
researchers will be able to conduct a test to evaluate the efficiency of the product. The tests will
vary from the numbers of LED bulbs, and potatoes used. For measuring the electrical potential of
the potato, a multimeter will be used with the positive end connected to the copper electrode
(anode) and the negative end connected to the zinc electrode (cathode).

In order to obtain the power exerted by the potato, the formula for power will be used: In order to
obtain the power exerted by the potato, the formula for power will be used:

P=I×V

Where:

P = power (watts)

I = current (amperes)

V = voltage (volts)
Time Table

Research Phase Time Frame

Background research and literature review 1st week
Research design planning 2nd week
Data collection and preparation 3rd week
Data analysis 4th week
Writing 5th week
Revision 6th week
REFERENCES:

Grigson, N. (2013, October 14). How Many Potatoes Does It Take To Power Your House?
Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.movoto.com/blog/novelty-real-estate/power-
your-house-with-potatoes/

Clarete, R. L. (2018, July 22). Our looming electricity shortage. Retrieved November 10, 2020,
from https://www.bworldonline.com/our-looming-electricity-shortage/

Reeder, J. (2017, April 24). Contents of the Potato That Can Conduct Electricity. Retrieved
November 10, 2020, from https://sciencing.com/contents-potato-can-conduct-electricity-
8715648.html

Experimental research - Definition, types of designs and advantages. (2020, March 31).
Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.questionpro.com/blog/experimental-
research/

Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. (n.d.).
Retrieved November 30, 2020, from http://nuclearpowertraining.tpub.com/h1011v2/css/Battery-
Theory-Summary-57.htm