Berlin student develops wind-powered street lamps

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Tobias Trübenbacher, Berlin designer and art student, has designed a street lamp called Papilio, which is powered by wind power and only switches on when someone walks under it.

The climate crisis is an excellent source of ideas. It forces us to rethink and develop creative ideas on so many levels. Thinking about the topic of electricity is particularly worthwhile.

After all, around 60 percent of the electricity we use is still generated from fossil fuels. Electric light is also responsible for unprecedented light pollution. About 83 percent of the world’s population lives under artificial lights that already illuminate the sky by ten more than normal. This light pollution can disrupt the migratory movements of animals and have a negative impact on biodiversity.

Trübenbacher’s Papilio lamp is certainly not the way to save the world from the consequences of wasteful use of electricity. But it is a feasible solution that can do its part to improve the situation.

Like Trübenbacher told his colleagues from Fast Company said, the aspect of light pollution was actually the starting point for the considerations. Trübenbacher’s lamp is shaped like a wind turbine and accordingly uses wind power to generate electricity. An integrated battery ensures that the lamp works even when no wind can drive the mini turbine.

So that Papilio does not unnecessarily illuminate the city, Trübenbacher has equipped its lamp with a motion sensor that only starts when someone is actually nearby who would benefit from the lighting.

Even with the light itself, the designer did not reach into the nearest hardware store shelf. Rather, he attached importance to a light temperature that does not attract insects.

Conceptually, Papilio does not need to be integrated into an infrastructure. The lights can be installed anywhere. Only the chance of a little wind should exist.

So far there are only two functioning prototypes that are being tested in Berlin. Looking ahead, Trübenbacher wants to see to what extent more can be made of the idea.

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