DEVELOPMENT OF STREET LIGHT POWERED BY SEA WATER FOR BRGY.

TAKUT STO NIÑO ISLAND WESTERN SAMAR

An Undergraduate Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering

Eastern Visayas State University

Tacloban City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bajado, Jodan C.

Bigtas, Claiborne R.

Calosor, Allan Jade L.

Fuentes, Manuel S. IV

JUNE 2022

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………………..iv

LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………….v

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………...…………………....1

Statement of the Problem………………………………...…………………3

Significance of the Study…………………………………………...………4

Conceptual Framework……………………………...……………………...4

Scope and Delimitation…………………………...………………………...5

Definition of Terms……………………………...………………………….5

CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES…………...7

Related Literature……………………………………...……………………7

Related Studies…………………………………………...……………..…13

CHAPTER III. METHODOLOGY………………………………………………….…

Purpose of the Study………………………….……………….…….…….19

Principle of Operation ………………………….……….…….…….…….19

Research Methodology………………………………….…….…….…….19

Method of Collecting Data ………………….…………..………………...20

Development of Research Design………………………………..………..20

Statistical treatment of data……..………………………………..………..21

Instrumentation……………………………………..……………………..23

CHAPTER IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…………………………………...…..24

CHAPTER V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………….34

ii
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………….……………………………...36

APPENDIX…………………………………………………………………….…..37

Bill of Materials………………………………………………………..….37

Documentation…………………………………………………………….38

Product and Parts Description and Features………………………………41

iii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Parameters for the selection of P lighting class…………………………………22

Table 2. Lighting classes for pedestrian and low speed traffic areas…………………….25

Table 3. The voltage of a single cell and volume of seawater… ………………………….. 30

Table 4. Cell connection test……………………………………………………..………31

Table 5. 12 Hours of experimentation……………………………………………………31

LIST OF FIGURES

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Figure 1. Vicinity Map……………………………………………………………………..3

Figure 2. Carbon Graphite Rod………………………..…………………………………..26

Figure 3. Magnesium Rod………………………..………………………………………..26

Figure 4. Copper wire/Connecting wire……………………………………….…………..27

Figure 5. Acrylic Glass………………………………..…………………………...……...27

Figure 6. Sea Water………….………………………..…………………………..……….28

Figure 7. Design of Sea Water Battery…………..…….………………………………….28

Figure 8. Design of Streetlight……….…………..…….…………………………...……..29

v
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

When it comes to night visibility for roads, pathways, and other road types that

are dark and no visibility within an area, streetlights are one of the most common projects

usually prioritized or need to be done. Street lighting is recognized as one of the most

important environmental features that influences subjective perception of safety in dark,

yet many are still not knowledgeable enough about how they badly needed street lights

and how it will benefit to them.

Street light is a light pole, lamppost, street lamp or light standard that is a source

and serves as light on the edge of a road or path. It is the main source of light which is

used to provide light on the edge of the road and highways, in order to be safe and

convenient for people and drivers at night. It plays an important role in terms of night

activities and services, security, and safety on streets and on public places.

The development of lamps powered by seawater or salt water was invented and now

existing and very usable especially in rural areas where electricity isn’t present or having

a limited source. With the use of the idea of having a renewable power source coming

from salt water or sea water this can be apply for bigger projects more likely as a main

power source for streetlights for roads that are especially located within the areas that are

abundant of seawater which is the islands. Places such as island towns which are

surrounded by abundant seawater, are suitable to have developed these seawater-powered

street lights. Aside from the fact that the source is abundant, the location is also

accessible and near to tap it. Hence, it could save money, time, and effort in realizing the

project.

1
2
 Barangay Takut is one of the barangays from Santo Nino Island of Western

Samar where providing electricity is limited to the community because from 12 midnight

to 4 am in the morning the electricity isn’t accessible. So, with that the barangay is totally

blackout with no streetlights due to no other power source that can be use. There are 3

main roads/street on the barangay, where the two street of the barangay is 4 meters in

width and 700 meters long while the other one is also 4 meters in width and 350 meters

long, while path walk has 2 meters width and a 140 meter long roads with a street with

the same length and width of the road.

The researchers made this research to consider the safety of the people and also

smooth flow of community services and activities at night. This research is made to

provide solution to the dark streets related problems that most people have experienced,

which can be resolved through developing street lights powered by seawater. The study

also aims to know how effective to have seawater-powered street lights is in remote areas

like island towns and to give information to community about development of street

lights which can be considered as an appropriate response to daily challenges that

threaten security and safety at night.

Access to sustainable electricity is vital especially at recent times when rapid

economic activities are needed to recover from great loss due to the pandemic. Extended

works, services, and community activities at night are desirable to narrow down the gap

from pre-pandemic economy. Likewise, safety and security are essential needs of every

community. Due to this, street lighting is needed to be developed and improved for the

sake of security and safety of the people and to maximize socio-economic and

community activities. The necessity of lights presence at night and at times of calamities

3
are common complaints among many people from remote areas that are not reached by

24-hour electricity.

TO BUENAVISTA FARM TO MARKET ROAD TO BUNGTO

CRISENCIANO CABELING ST. - 232 m

KALAHI DSWD PATHWALK - 181 SANTIAGO PICORRO ST. 250 Meters

METERS

VICENTE PICORRO ST. - 453 Meters

BRGY. WARF
BRGY. TAKUT VICINITY MAP

Figure 1: VICINITY MAP

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aimed to develop seawater-powered street lights for Barangay Takut, a

community in an island town of Santo Niño, Specifically, to answer the following

questions:

1. What are the requirement for appropriate streetlights design for the roads of

barangay Takut?

2. What are the materials needed to develop a single seawater-powered street

light?

3. What is the design of the streetlight?

4. How functional is the salt water streetlight?

4
Significance of the study

Administration of Municipality of Sto. Niño, they may use this as their basis in

putting up projects in the future particularly about lighting up the circumferential road of

the town.

Barangay officials, they may use this study to serve as their basis, record, or

guide to know how effective it is to have street lighting and how to facilitate maintenance

for this project.The findings by which this study will reveal, may benefit certain groups

and the benefits they may be able to gain are as follows:

Future Researchers, they will learn how to develop sustainable and energy

efficient project like seawater-powered street lighting that will serve as a good source of

accurate and useful information because of their findings of the study.

People of the community, they may use this study to prove that they will benefit

from the development of seawater-powered street lights because they are essential needs

of every community.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The diagram below shows the flow of the study by which it is initiated with

planning and pre-crafting stage. It involves the appropriate streetlight pole height,

lighting materials, type of road, total lengths of streets. It also covers the designing of the

main projects which are the sea water battery and the streetlight post for the barangay

takut. In this section, there is also testing and evaluation of the project which aims to

determine whether it will be modified and improved and also the researchers will find

best materials to be used.

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 DESIGN OF THE
SEAWATER
REQUIREMENTS TESTING and
BATTERY AND
OF STREETLIGHT EVALUATION
THE
STREETLIGHT

SCOPE AND DELIMITATON

This research will be conducted on Tacloban City but mainly focused on the

applicability to the barangay named ‘Takut’ a community in the island town of Sto. Niño,

Samar, which is situated on the east part of the main island just along the shoreline. The

research focuses for a 12 hours continuous street lighting from 5pm to 5am using only a

sea water.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Area. In this study the word is defined as the specific place within a

community/barangay.

Anode - In this study, this refers to the electrode where the oxidation occurs.

Barangay. It is the term in the Philippines as the smallest division within a

government and usually called barrio or specific district.

Cathode - This refers to the electrode from which a conventional current leaf a

polarized electrical device.

Community. A group of people residing in Brgy. Takut, having a particular

characteristic in common.

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 Electrode Rods – the materials that will be used so that a reaction to the sea

water will occur.

Seawater – the electrolyte solution for the sea water battery.

Seawater-powered Street lights. The source of light along the streets of Brgy.

Takut at night powered by seawater.

Street light – to make a visible picture within dark areas.

Street lighting. It is a local community project through putting up street lights in

in all the streets of Brgy. Takut.

Electrode. It is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic

part of a circuit.

Electrolyte solution. This refers to a substance that produces an electrically

conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water.

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 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

RELATED LITERATURE

Renewable Energy from Salt Water

Electric power generation with the use of readily available renewable resources is

one area of concern nowadays. Though the world we live in is abundant with natural

resources, but we continue to use up non-renewable resources in massive amounts. As a

result, many nations and countries of the world will have to deal with energy shortages as

an effect of overpopulation. Due to this problem many researchers conduct studies with

our environment-friendly resource to produce an efficient yet clean source of energy. The

Philippines is an archipelago country consisting of over 7,100 islands. Mostly people

dwell near coastal areas so the idea of generating electricity from seas and oceans is

greatly appealing. Electricity generation from salt water taking advantage of its high

salinity is a renewable option. The Philippines is also faced with the problem of the rapid

depletion of natural resources. Fossil fuels like coal is burned in large tremendous

amounts. We know that they cause excessive release of greenhouse gases and other

harmful pollutants in the atmosphere. In order to conserve our natural resources, we must

utilize the long coastlines to achieve development without too much damage to the

environment. (Zimmerling, 2021)

Converting Saltwater into Electricity

There have been several breakthroughs in this research of saltwater being

converted into electricity. A recent breakthrough in relation to this topic is the topic on

Power Generation. A team of researchers from the US and China have discovered a new

8
desalination process that could produce electricity and clean water. They did this by

modifying a microbial fuel cell, which is used to desalinate saltwater into drinkable

water. When the bacteria “consume” the wastewater, the ions become charged, which are

separated by the membranes. Some are consumed at the electrodes – desalinating the

water in the central chamber and generating a current. (Dubrawski, 2019)

Seawater on thin rusty films can generate electricity

There are many ways to generate electricity – batteries, solar panels, wind

turbines and hydroelectric dams, and also rust. The research conducted by scientists at

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Northwestern University shows that thin

films of rust – iron oxide – can generate electricity when saltwater flows over them.

Interactions between metal compounds and saltwater often generate electricity but this is

usually the result of a chemical reaction in which one or more compounds are converted

to new compounds. Reactions like these are what is at work inside batteries. (Velasco,

2019)

Saltwater as the energy source for low-cost, safe rechargeable batteries

The effective use of electricity from renewable sources requires large-scale

stationary electrical energy storage (EES) systems with rechargeable high-energy-

density, low-cost batteries. We report a rechargeable saltwater battery using NaCl (aq.) as

the energy source (catholyte). The battery is operated by evolution/reduction reactions of

gases (mostly O2, with possible Cl2) in saltwater at the cathode, along with

reduction/oxidation reactions of Na/Na+ at the anode. The use of saltwater and the Na-

metal-free anode enables high safety and low cost, as well as control of cell voltage and

9
energy density by changing the salt concentration. The battery with a hard carbon anode

and 5 M saltwater demonstrated

excellent cycling stability with a high discharge capacity of 296 mA h g hard carbon-1 and a

coulombic efficiency of 98% over 50 cycles. Compared with other battery types, it offers

greatly reduced energy cost and relatively low power cost when used in EES systems.

The researchers developed a new ‘seawater battery’ as a hybrid between a battery

and a fuel cell. The seawater battery uses natural seawater containing Na+ as the

catholyte, making its application in large-scale, stationary EES systems environmentally

friendly and price competitive. This is distinct from existing saltwater batteries, where the

saltwater only serves as an electrolyte between two galvanically coupled electrodes.

Making Electricity from Salt Water

In water, table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), dissolves into positively

charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chlorine ions (Cl-). Chemists call a

solution of ions such as this an electrolyte. In a battery, one electrode, called the cathode,

sheds electrons into the solution, leaving it with a positive charge. At the same time, the

other electrode, the anode, collects electrons, giving it a negative charge. Ions in the

electrolyte help facilitate this process. The charge imbalance between the two electrodes

creates a electrical potential difference, or voltage. If you connect the terminals in a

circuit, the electrons built up in the anode will flow through the circuit back to the

cathode, creating an electrical current.

Almost any combination of two different metals for the electrodes will make a

battery. Different combinations yield different voltages. You can make a battery similar

to Volta’s by stacking up cells made of saltwater-soaked cardstock sandwiched between

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two different metals. Ideas include pennies and nickels, pennies and aluminum (foil or

sanded pieces of pop cans), pennies and zinc-coated washers, and uncoated steel washers

and aluminum.

Electricity generated with water, salt and a three-atoms-thick membrane

Proponents of clean energy will soon have a new source to add to their

existing array of solar, wind, and hydropower: osmotic power. Or more specifically,

energy generated by a natural phenomenon occurring when fresh water comes into

contact with seawater through a membrane. A semipermeable membrane separates two

fluids with different salt concentrations. Salt ions travel through the membrane until the

salt concentrations in the two fluids reach equilibrium. That phenomenon is precisely

osmosis. If the system is used with seawater and fresh water, salt ions in the seawater

pass through the membrane into the fresh water until both fluids have the same salt

concentration. And since an ion is simply an atom with an electrical charge, the

movement of the salt ions can be harnessed to generate electricity. EPFL's system

consists of two liquid-filled compartments separated by a thin membrane made of

molybdenum disulfide. The membrane has a tiny hole, or nanopore, through which

seawater ions pass into the fresh water until the two fluids' salt concentrations are equal.

As the ions pass through the nanopore, their electrons are transferred to an electrode

which is what is used to generate an electric current. "We had to first fabricate and then

investigate the optimal size of the nanopore. If it's too big, negative ions can pass through

and the resulting voltage would be too low. If it's too small, not enough ions can pass

through and the current would be too weak," said Jiandong Feng, lead author of the

research.

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Inexpensive and stable—The salt water battery

Water could form the basis for future particularly inexpensive rechargeable

batteries. Empa researchers have succeeded in doubling the electrochemical stability of

water with a special saline solution. Ruben-Simon Kühnel and David Reber, researchers

in Empa's Materials for Energy Conversion department, have now discovered a way to

solve the problem: The salt containing electrolyte has to be liquid, but at the same time it

has to be so highly concentrated that it does not contain any "excess" water.

For their experiments, the two researchers used the special salt sodium FSI

(precise name: sodium bis (fluorosulfonylimide). This salt is extremely soluble in water:

seven grams of sodium FSI and one gram of water produce a clear saline solution (see

video clip). In this liquid, all water molecules are grouped around the positively charged

sodium cations in a hydrate shell. Hardly any unbound water molecules are present.

The researchers discovered that this saline solution displays an electrochemical

stability of up to 2.6 volts –nearly twice as much as other aqueous electrolytes. The

discovery could be the key to inexpensive, safe battery cells; inexpensive because, apart

from anything else, the sodium FSI cells can be constructed more safely and thus more

easily than the well known lithium ion batteries.

Energy storage by reversible electrodialysis: The concentration battery

Reverse electrodialysis has long been recognized as a tool for harnessing free

energy from salinity gradients but has received little attention for its potential in energy

storage applications. Here we present the experimental and modeled performance of a

12
rechargeable electro dialytic battery system developed for the purpose of energy storage.

Experimental roundtrip energy efficiency ranged from 21.2% to 34.0% when cycling the

system between 33% and 40–90% state of charge. A mass transport model based on

chemical thermodynamics is also proposed to describe the system's performance. Results

indicate that, upon model calibration, the model effectively predicts experimental values.

Experimental and modeled results suggest that the membrane resistance and osmosis are

the primary sources of ohmic and faradaic energy losses, respectively. The results

demonstrate that a functioning battery can be constructed using typical reverse

electrodialysis stack components. Future improvements in membrane technology and

optimization of the system chemistry offer promising avenues to improve the power

density, energy density, and roundtrip energy efficiency of the process.

Rechargeable Seawater Battery and Its Electrochemical Mechanism

Herein, we explore the electrochemical mechanism of a novel rechargeable seawater

battery system that uses seawater as the cathode material. Sodium is harvested from seawater

while charging the battery, and the harvested sodium is discharged with oxygen dissolved in the

seawater, functioning as oxidants to produce electricity. The seawater provides both anode (Na

metal) and cathode (O2) materials for the proposed battery. Based on the discharge voltage ( 2.9

V) with participation of O2 and the charge voltage ( 4.1 V) with Cl 2 evolution during the first

cycle, a voltage efficiency of about 73 % is obtained. If the seawater battery is constructed using

hard carbon as the anode and a Na super ion conductor as the solid electrolyte, a strong cycle

performance of 84 % is observed after 40 cycles.

Rechargeable Seawater Batteries—From Concept to Applications

13
 Harvesting energy from natural resources is of significant interest because of their

abundance and sustainability. Seawater is the most abundant natural resource on earth,

covering two‐thirds of the surface. The rechargeable seawater battery is a new energy

storage platform that enables interconversion of electrical energy and chemical energy by

tapping into seawater as an infinite medium. Here, an overview of the research and

development activities of seawater batteries toward practical applications is presented.

Seawater batteries consist of anode and cathode compartments that are separated by a Na‐

ion conducting membrane, which allows only Na+ ion transport between the two

electrodes. The roles and drawbacks of the three key components, as well as the

development concept and operation principles of the batteries on the basis of previous

reports are covered. Moreover, the prototype manufacturing lines for mass production

and automation, and potential applications, particularly in marine environments are

introduced. Highlighting the importance of engineering the cell components, as well as

optimizing the system level for a particular application and thereby successful market

entry, the key issues to be resolved are discussed, so that the seawater battery can emerge

as a promising alternative to existing rechargeable batteries.

RELATED STUDIES

According to Aisa Mijeno (2011) during an immersion in 2011, she witnessed this

first hand when she lived with the Butbut tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga. People did not have

access to electricity and had to walk 12 hours to reach Bontoc, a town about 50

kilometres away, to get kerosene for their fuel-based lamps.

Through her time with the tribes, she found that they relied heavily on kerosene

lamps to see at night. She knew that these lamps are harmful to the health. Mijeno

14
realized that the Philippines have an abundance of saltwater, which allowed her to create

a lamp powered by the saltwater surrounding the Philippines or through a glass of water

and two scoops of salt, according to Scott (2019).

According to Science Daily, researchers from Stanford University develop

technology to harness energy from missing fresh and seawater. A new battery made from

affordable and durable materials generates energy from places where salt and fresh

waters mingle. The technology could make coastal wastewater treatment plants energy-

independent and carbon neutral. Blue energy is an immense and untapped source of

renewable energy, (Dubrawski, 2019).

Engineers from South America have developed Water Light. The saltwater reacts

with the magnesium in the Water Light that causes a simple chemical reaction that

generates electricity. Two cups of water give the Water Light enough juice to be powered

for around 45 days, based on the kind of usage its users put it through, according to Pipe

Ruiz (2021).

According to Radanovich (2009), She published the schematics of a brand-new

type of flat, membrane-like power generator. The generator siphons energy from the

process of osmosis when the salts in salty water spread out evenly into fresh water

through a membrane. She also says that the electric promise of her generator is enormous.

She estimated that just a three-foot square made of her flat device could theoretically

produce an entire megawatt of power. That’s enough power to run 50,000 energy saving

light bulbs. Though they are still far away from this [megawatt] number.

Many studies have shown that in urban areas, darkness results in a large number

of crashes and fatalities, especially those involving pedestrians; 50% of accidents and

15
crashes usually happened in night and one of the reasons are the unlighted intersections

and interchanges of road. Street lighting provides a safe environment at night, and it

serves as public service to those who work and commute at night. From night time

accidents a scoping study (H.ward et al.,UCL).

Development of street lighting as an operative tool provides economic and social

benefits to public places (https://www.uniassignment.com). It will reduce the accidents at

night and expand socio-economic activities that will lead to cut economic loss. If there

are street lights in every street, it will lessen the fear of people to walk and drive, and also

night activities flow smoothly and safely. Developing street lighting also enhances sense

of personal security. It also prevents and lowers the rates of crime because crimes usually

happen in far-flung areas where most areas are dark.

The invention of salt water electricity gives hope to communities which have limited

access to electricity to use the seawater to sustainably power their lives without needing

to travel to find power (Wunderman Thompson 2021). Nowadays, residents from remote

areas are demanding to develop street lighting for safety and security purpose and for

high demand of socio-economic activities extension at night; however, factors arise that

halt the granting of program like high cost diesel and other alternative sources of energy,

raw materials, environmental factor, and availability of resources. Due to this, street

lights that are powered by renewable, efficient, unlimited, and low-cost source of energy

like seawater are recommended to be developed.

Bilaminar seawater battery

A seawater battery has been provided which includes an anode and a cathode, he

anode being a flexible sheet of anode material and the cathode being a flexible foil of

16
cathode material. An insulative flexible film joins one side of the cathode foil to one side

of the anode sheet so as to form a flexible bilaminar composite. A device is operatively

associated with the bilaminar composite for providing it positive buoyancy in seawater,

and a ballast device is connected to a bottom edge of the bilaminar composite. An

electrical lead is connected to the anode sheet and an electrical lead is connected to the

cathode foil at a common edge of the bilaminar composite and in close proximity to one

another. The bilaminar composite is flexed to a compacted condition, and a device is

provided for releasably retaining the bilaminar composite in the compacted flexed

condition. With this arrangement the battery can be placed in seawater and when the

retaining device is released the bilaminar composite will unflex and electrical current will

be produced across the electrical leads.

Alkali metal seawater battery

A galvanic cell was disclosed. Generally, the cell includes an alkali metal anode,

which electrochemically oxidized to release alkali metal ions, and a cathode, which was

configured to be exposed to an electrolyte solution. A water-impermeable, alkali-ion-

conductive ceramic membrane separated the anode from the cathode. Moreover, an

alkali-ionpermeable anode current collector was placed in electrical communication with

the anode. In some cases, to keep the anode in contact with the current collector when the

cell functions and when the anode is depleted, the cell includes a biasing member that

urges the anode against the current collector. To produce electricity, the galvanic cell was

exposed to an aqueous electrolyte solution, such as seawater, brine, saltwater, etc.

17
Galvanic seawater cell

This invention relates to galvanic seawater cells and batteries and in particular to

cathodes which are suitable for use in galvanic cells that use an oxidant dissolved in the

electrolyte as depolarizer. An example of such cells is seawater cells which use the

oxygen dissolved in the seawater as oxidant. The cell has an inert electrode which

consists of a number of conducting fibers connected to a conducting body. The fibers

have different orientations relatively to each other and to the body. In a preferred

embodiment the electrode body consists of two or more wires which are twisted together

to constitute an electrode stem while clamping the fibers in a fixed position between the

wires, as in a laboratory bottle brush.

An aqueous rechargeable chloride ion battery

In recent years, the increasing demand for energy has spurred the development of

novel and effective energy storage technologies which are safe and reliable. Herein, we

introduce an aqueous rechargeable battery comprising of a bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl)

anode and a silver cathode in an aqueous NaCl electrolyte solution. This innovative way

of energy storage is based on a redox reaction involving the shuttling of chloride ions

between the two electrodes. During the charging process, chloride ions are released from

the anode and intercalated into the cathode whereas discharging causes the extraction of

chloride ions from the cathode and the recovery of BiOCl at anode side. This new battery

system can deliver a stable and reversible capacity of 92.1 mAh g−1 when operated at a

current density 400 mA g−1. Further investigations involving the reaction mechanisms

18
are given by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-

dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This aqueous chloride ion battery is the first of its

kind and we believe it will contribute greatly towards future battery technologies.

The Potential for Electricity Generation from Low-Cost Salt Electrolyte Battery

Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. We have reached a

point of our civilization when electricity is used for all purposes. Electricity can be

produced in different ways, but producing is accompanied with a costly investment for

power plants where such costs will then be shouldered by the consumers. Also, people

have overlooked the capacity to harness electricity that will help reduce their dependency

to the grid. This research project aims to develop an alternative, small generating

battery capable of producing 12 volts which is low cost and uses abundant materials. This

research project further confirms and validates related experiments and studies on the

concept of electricity generation. The researcher produced a saltwater battery that

generates 12 volts dc, enough to power small loads, its compact design saves space and

the materials used are cost efficient.

19
 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the research is to design streetlights from the use of seawater that

is also abundant and very accessible to the island. As the barangay Takut has only limited

time of electricity where the street lights are being turned off starting from midnight. The

researchers aim for a longer time for streetlights to operate with the use of seawater as the

power source. This study will be conducted and apply to have a continue operation from

5PM am to 5AM.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

This research study was designed to provide an alternative source of energy in a

streetlight using seawater as the main source to its battery that is environmentally

friendly and can be easily outsourced.

This project was designed to power up streetlights using seawater that is abundant

especially in the island of Santo Nino. Using the magnesium rod as the anode and

graphite rod as the cathode, which are the two major components used to collect the

needed energy in the seawater battery that produces voltage and current.

METHOD OF RESEARCH

The method of research used in this project is an experimental type of research.

The researchers want to know the effectiveness of each material before proceeding to the

actual project. The output of each material that will be used. The effectiveness and

differences between materials which can affect the power produce of the sea water

20
battery. To be able to discover the facts and gather enough data to provide supporting

details in our study, The researchers conducted experiments. This also helped us make

better decisions.

METHODS OF COLLECTING DATA

Data was collected through various experiments which is mainly focuses to find

the best material combination and components so that it can have a great and stable

voltage and current output. The researchers will conduct experiment by two methods to

determine what is the best way to produce a good amount of energy by which is by taking

sea water and pouring it to a container or making a floating device.

A research procedure will be followed by the researchers. This follows;

1. Identifying the requirements of the sea water street light.

2. Observation and experimentation for the components used in the battery

construction

3. Construction of the battery

4. Construction of Street Light

5. Testing the streetlight powered by seawater

6. Data and Result Presentations

DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESEARCH DESIGN

Carbon graphite rod and magnesium rod for the battery structure and seawater as

the battery's electrolyte solution were all used in the study's design. The researchers will

undertake measurements and experiments to evaluate the voltage and current output from

the created battery, as well as the effects of the components utilized in its construction. It

21
will be observed on a regular basis in order to improve the selection of required

components for usage in the final structure.

The researchers uses seawater as an alternative electrolyte solution for the

batteries since it has the ability to produce voltage and current. A digital multi tester will

be used to measure the battery's output voltage and current.

The design of the streetlight was followed by the recommendation of doe

streetlighting design for road lighting. Where;

Lighting Design CIE 115 : 2010 2nd Edition ( DOE ROAD LIGHT 2017 )

Weighting Vw
Parameter Options
Value Vw Selected

Low 1
Speed
Very low (walking speed) 0

Very high 1

High 0,5

Traffic volume Moderate 0

Low -0,5

Very low -1

Traffic Pedestrians, cyclists and motorized 2

composition traffic

Pedestrians and motorized traffic 1

22
 Pedestrians and cyclists only 1

Pedestrians only 0

Cyclists only 0

Present 0,5
Parked vehicles
Not present 0

High 1
Ambient
Moderate 0
luminance
Low -1

Necessary Additional quirements

re

Facial recognition No

Not necessary additional

requirements

Sum of

Weighting
VWS
Values

Table 1. Parameters for the selection of P lighting class.

The application of these classes depends on the geometry of the relevant area and

the traffic and time dependant circumstances.

23
 For the determination of the P lighting class to be applied, the appropriate

weighting values in Table 6 for the different parameters have to be selected and added

to find the sum of the weighting values (VWS). The number of the lighting class P is then

calculated as:

Number of lighting class P = 6 – VWS – Equation 1

INSTRUMENTATIONS

The instrumentation that will be used in this research will be based on our

experiments;

Multi Tester – The device used to measure current and voltage.

Lux Meter App – an android app which determines the lumens of a specific bulb.

Led Bulb – the main load of the sea water battery where lux meter app will be

used.

Computer – to virtually find the vicinity map of the barangay takut.

Measuring Instruments – For better cutting of materials and measuring sea

water volume.

Drill – To make holes on the acrylic glass.

24
 CHAPTER IV
RESULTS, DATA ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSIONS

REQUIREMENT FOR STREETLIGHTING WITH ACCORDANCE TO DOE

ROAD LIGHT 2017

Conditions;

P = 6 – (speed (low = 1)) + traffic volume (very low= -1) + Traffic Composition

(pedestrian and motorized traffic=1) + Parked Vehicles (not present=0) + ambient

luminance (low = -1)

P = 6-( 1-1+1-1)

P=6–0

P = 6 or P6

Lighting Average Minimum Additional requirement if

Class horizontal horizontal facial recognition is

illuminanc illuminanc necessary

25
 Minimum vertical Minimum semi-
e e
Illuminance Ev,min cylindrical
Eh,av Eh,min
in lx illuminance Esc,min
in lx in lx
in lx

P1 15 3,0 3,0
5,0

P2 10 2,0 2,0
3,0

P3 7,5 1,5 1,5

2,5

P4 5,0 1,0 1,0

1,5

P5 3,0 0,6 0,6

1,0

P6 2,0 0,4 0,6 0,4

Table 2. Lighting classes for pedestrian and low speed traffic areas.

Based on the calculated value the lighting class appropriate for barangay takut is

P6.

As the table indicates the barangay Takut is a P6 type of road.

Figure 1. Spacing

26
 Where the luminaire overhangs the road surface, the minimum mounting

height shall be generally 8.0 m-12m. However, a luminaire that does not overhang the

roadway may have a minimum mounting height of 3.0 m provided that the installed

luminaire used would not result into disability glare to the motorist and the pole is

installed in accordance with the latest edition of PEC 2 and NSCP.

MATERIALS NEEDED

The materials shown in this chapter are the major components used during the
experiment and in making the seawater battery.

Figure 2. Carbon Graphite Rod

The first major component in this experiment is the graphite. When sea water

interacts with graphite, the mobile electrons in graphite would be boosted by the potential

energy of sea water elements. The graphite rod is the cathode side in this experiment, the

cathode is the positive side of the seawater battery.

27
 Figure 3. Magnesium Rod
Together with the carbon graphite, magnesium rod is also the major component in

the experiment. Like the carbon graphite, the magnesium rod is the electrode that can

also absorb free electrons in the seawater battery. The magnesium rod is the anode side

also known as the negative side of the seawater battery.

Figure 4. Copper Wire

Figure 4. Copper Wire
One of the essential component that function as an important part during our

experiment is the copper wire/connecting wires that were used as the conductor. By

connecting the electrode used in the experiment the copper wire connects all the

electrodes from one another. By connecting them it gives us a higher output result.

28
 Figure 5. Acrylic Glass ( Plastic )
Another component used during our experiment is the acrylic glass. The acrylic

glass was the main materials for the battery housing and served as container where the

electrodes (the magnesium rod and carbon graphite rod) are placed inside.

Figure 6. Seawater
The highlight component during our experiment is the seawater, the seawater has

free electrons inside on it. With this free electrons, this can be transformed into voltage

and current output by putting electrodes on it. In our experiment, the seawater serves as

an electrolyte solution of the battery.

DESIGN OF THE SALT WATER BATTERY

29
 Figure 7. Design of Sea Water Battery
The design of seawater was experimental also because the researchers was

choosing between a drum container but can eat lot of space or a much battery-like design

inspired from cars and motorcycle. The researchers decided to make a car battery like as

a battery housing of our seawater battery because it don’t cover much space and also the

amount of seawater don’t affect the output voltage and the output current of the seawater

battery.

The construction of the battery container has a height of 16cm and a length of

30cm and a width of 10cm. In order to put more cell in the battery container, the battery

container is assembled with 5cm by 5cm each group of graphite-magnesium. The idea of

this design is from the previous study which where the researchers improved it and the

researchers used different components and the space was minimize in order to put more

cell container inside the battery container. In order for the researcher to justify the

designed they made, the researcher conducted a series of experiments in order to attain

30
the output voltage and current, the type of connection that will be used, and in

minimizing the cell container inside the battery in order to produce more cells.

DESIGN OF THE STREETLIGHT

5 watts
LED Bulb

Load

3 m Post
+ -

SW Batt

Figure 9. Design of Streetlight

The post height is 3 meters where the post material that was used was a bamboo.

TESTING AND EVALUATION

Electrode Volume of the sea Voltage Current

water Output Output

Graphite an

Magnesium (each 70ml 1.4-1.8V 0.2 – 0.3

cell) mA

Graphite and

Magnesium (5 cell connected in

31
 series floating in the body of sea infinite 1.4V 0.2mA

water)

Table 4. The voltage of a single cell and volume of seawater.

The Table shown is the results during our experiment between the amounts of

seawater applied into the battery housing and body of water from the sea. In our

experiment, in order to measure the volume of the seawater the researchers used a rice

cooker cup, the measurement of the liquid is measured only into one volume of seawater

which is 35mL. After pouring the seawater into the housing of each cell the researchers

submerged a pair of electrodes into it. Base on the result in the Table, the voltage output

are not the same due to the materials especially the magnesium rod.

While experimenting in San Juanico the reserchers tried to connect a 2 cell with a

length of 1m of connection wire and it gives a 1.4V and also same voltage output given

with a half meter connector. The researchers also connect a 5 group of cell with half and

one meter connector but also gives the same voltage output.

Connections No. of rod No. of Cell Voltage Output Current Output

Battery A 24 12 16.66V 2.04mA

Battery B 24 12 15.1V 1.82mA

Battery Series A-B 48 24 30.01V 2.11 mA

Battery Parallel A-B 48 24 17.44V 3.92mA

Battery Parallel A-B 48 24 7.6V 0.82mA

with DC-DC step up
Table 5. Cell connection test

32
 The container is considered a complete set of batteries. The researchers test the

battery in series and in parallel. Series connection increases the voltage but the current

output is the same while in parallel smaller voltage output but higher current output. The

researchers also connected a dc booster module so that the researchers can have a stable

source but the output is not that satisfying so the researchers stick to the output voltage

and current of the graphite and magnesium itself.

Load Voltage Total and Lumens Time

Current Total

No Load 29.1V and 2.11mA - 8:00 pm

5 Volts 5 watts led bulb 2.62V and 0.09mA 61 8:00 pm

5 Volts 5 watts led bulb 2.59V and 0.09mA 56 9:00 pm

5 Volts 5 watts led bulb 2.57 V and 0.09mA 53 10:00 pm

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.53 V and 0.09mA 50 11:00 pm

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.50 V and 0.09mA 47 12:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.46V and 0.09mA 44 01:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.42V and 0.09mA 41 02:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.39V and 0.09mA 37 03:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.36V and 0.09mA 33 04:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.31V and 0.09mA 29 05:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.25V and 0.09mA 27 06:00 am

5 Volts, 5 watts led bulb 2.17V and 0.09mA 25 07:00 am

No load after 12 hours 8.23V and 0.84mA - 8:00 am

Table 6. 12 hours Experimentation

33
 As the table shown above the researchers get a decent voltages output and lumen

outputs measured on a phone app. On the 4 am the output lumens was almost half from

the beginning of the observation which is from 61 to 33. After 12 hours the led bulb was

still lit and there’s still a good amount of output voltage.

FUNCTIONALITY

The voltage and the output lumens was consistently dropping while the current is

very stable as shown on table 6. The result is kind of expected because what the

researchers used from the beginning of experiment until the prototyping stage was the

same magnesium rod which greatly affect its full functionality. Due to lack of materials

specially the magnesium rod the researchers couldn’t measure the distance of each lamp

post required because the output lumens wasn’t good enough to measure the required

distance.

CHAPTER V

FINDINGS , CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The research focused to lit up a bulb using seawater as a power source. For the

streetlight requirements for street lighting the researchers followed the standard design

with the accordance to the Department of Energy (DOE) road light 2017 pdf book.

Before choosing the materials, the researchers did various of experiments before coming

up with the decision to make a saltwater battery which was the carbon graphite rod and

the magnesium rod was the chosen material because in the experiments conducted this

materials shows higher output. While the design of the streetlight was 3m in height, the

researchers asked permission first to the chairperson and the members if the materials of

34
the post is only bamboo as it is common for islands as its main post for streetlights and

that is because of the research being experimental. The researchers observations was its

lumen outputs is significantly dropping or decreasing while the current stays the same.

CONCLUSION

The researchers are able finish the prototype however the end result is not that

satisfying due lack of materials like magnesium and carbon graphite filter. Due to lack of

materials to be bought here in Philippines and Tacloban especially the magnesium rods or

plate this research makes it more difficult because from the beginning of the experiment

into our prototyping the materials used was the same.

RECOMMENDATION

The researcher recommending the use thicker magnesium and carbon graphite

filters. The next researcher must also improve the current output by exploring on circuit

combinations like series-parallel or putting any devices that will boost current and find

thicker magnesium materials and carbon block filter for better output and longer battery

life.

35
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Akhnia, Morteza. (2019, July 29). Ultra-thin Layers of Rust Generate Electricity from Flowing
Water. caltech.edu. https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/ultra-thin-layers-rust-generate-
electricity-flowing-water

2. Balea, Jum. (2014, November 12). This Philippin startup wants to light up poor homes with
lamp running on salt and water. techinasia.com. https://www.techinasia.com/salt-light-poor-
homes-philippines.
3. Khanna, Monit. (2021, May 09). This Lantern Creates Electricity Instantly From Salt Water,
Lights Up For 45 Days. indiatimes.com.
4. Patrick Uykingtian and Patrick Tiu (2009) Converting Saltwater into ElectricityPenn State,
Department of Public InformationAleksandra Radenovich (2009) retrieved from "Marvelous Mini
Generator Draws Energy fromSaltwater"( popularmechanics.com )
5. Rosauro, O., & Jumamil, M. (2017). EMPIRICAL EQUATIONS RELATED TO
ELECTRICITYGENERATION FROM SALT WATER: CONTRIBUTION TO RENEWABLE
ENERGY. NMSCSTResearch Journal, 3(1). Retrieved from
http://www.nmsc.edu.ph/ojs/index.php/nrj/article/view/32
6. Scott, Ian. (2019, August 23). HOW SALT IS BRINGING LIGHT IN THE PHILIPPINES.
borgenproject.org. https://borgenproject.org/how-salt-is-bringing-light-in-the-philippines/
7. Stanford University. "Energy from seawater: Researchers develop technology to harness
energy from mixing of freshwater and seawater." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 29 July 2019.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190729151859.htm>.

Online sources:

https://cities-today.com/a-quarter-of-streetlights-could-be-smart-by-2030/
#:~:text=Globally%2C%20there%20are%20326%20million,by%20the%20end%20of
%202029.
https://www.doe.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/energy_efficiency/doe-road-light-
2017.pdf?withshield=1

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/street-lighting-
market.asp

https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/12-18-april
2021/waterlight/#:~:text=WaterLight%20works%20through%20ionisation.,can%20be
%20powered%20by%20urine.

https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/waterlight-lantern-produces-
electricity-and-light-instantly-from-sea-water-538739.html

36
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

BILL OF MATERIALS

MATERIALS NO. OF ITEM PRICE TOTAL

USED

COPPER WIRE 10 METERS ₱ 20 / meter ₱ 200

MAGNESIUM 24 139 ₱ 3336

CONNECTOR 20 METERS ₱ 7/m ₱ 140

GRAPHITE 24 ₱ 20 EACH ₱ 480

(AAA-BATT)

LED BULB 1 PC ₱ 69.00 ₱ 69.00

SHRINKABLE 12M ₱ 300

SINK

DEVCON 20 PC ₱ 150.00 ₱ 3000

ACRYLIC GLASS ₱ 2460

SEALANT GUN 1 EACH ₱ 145 ₱ 325

AND SEALANT ₱ 180

TOTAL ₱ 10,310

37
 APPENDIX B

DOCUMENTATION

38
39
40
 APPENDIX C

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION, FEATURES, PARTS AND DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Street Light Using Seawater as Battery for Brgy. Takut, Sto. Nino Island Western

Samar is an environmental friendly Street Light powered by a seawater that generates a

renewable energy. This research is proposed to be an alternative power source of a

Streetlight.

PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Non-polluting and environmental friendly.

2. Can be powered by Seawater that is abundant in nature.

PARTS AND DESCRIPTION

PARTS DESCRIPTION

CARBON GRAPHITE POSITIVE TERMINAL(ANODE)

MAGNESIUM ROD NEGATIVE TERMINAL(CATHODE)

WIRE CONNECTOR Connecting the two terminals

ACRYLIC GLASS BATTERY HOUSING

LED BULB 5 VOLTS, 5 AND 12 WATTS LED

BULB

41