Open Energy System

Concept

Expectations have only continued to mount for more effective ways of harnessing the power of natural energy to meet the challenges of global warming and fuel depletion. Yet we are also keenly aware of the technical limitations of integrating power generated from thinly dispersed natural energy resources into the conventional power grid. This motivated Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL) to investigate an open energy system that is capable of dynamically transmitting and distributing power in ultra-dispersive environments, with Sony Energy Devices Corporation. Our system uses power generated from natural energy, and allows DC power to be directly supplied to household appliances instead of existing systems that supply AC power. The critical component of the system is the original energy server that charges batteries using power derived from green energy sources, then supplies power to energy network as required.

In the developing countries of the world today, there are many villages that have never been electrified and vast regions where electrical power is extremely unstable. If these areas could be provided with a few additional hours of power a day, it would contribute enormously to economic self-sufficiency, education, and better health standards. Deployment of open energy systems in these areas would also dramatically improve the lives of poor people throughout the base of the world's income pyramid (BoP). With proactive mind-set of Sony CSL, we have decided to actually deploy the system in the field to verify the concept.

As its first proof, we developed a prototype public viewing system that would enable people in rural non-electrified areas of northern Ghana, Africa to watch FIFA World Cup Soccer matches. The system consists of a solar panel, a energy server, a DC-driven projector, a blu-ray disc player, and powered speakers.

Demonstration Experiment

Conducted from May 14 to 18, 2010, the experiment enabled people from non-electrified rural part of northern Ghana to watch the World Cup Soccer match using a energy server. The experiment was conducted in five different locations, recording up to 2500 viewers in one location, and people were able to enjoy a 2 hour FIFA World Cup match with 4-hour charged batteries from solar panels. The experiment successfully demonstrated the proof of concept of the open energy system in non-electrified rural communities.

Experiment Video & Photos