VoltAid (IN)

School: St. Teresa School

VoltAid is a multi-device charging station that enables equitable, clean electricity access in rural communities with intermittent electricity access. It was invented to address the digital divide that prevented students from continuously participating in remote learning during COVID-19.

VoltAid advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) by facilitating continuous study and participation for students with limited electricity access. It addresses the digital divide by providing a reliable source of power for students to charge their devices, which is essential for participating in remote learning.

Moreover, VoltAid also advances SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by increasing the availability of clean, off-grid energy access in regions with limited grid infrastructure. It offers a sustainable alternative to high-emission power sources, such as diesel generators and coal-fired power plants.

One of VoltAid's outstanding features is its rapid charging capability. Users can fully charge VoltAid's integrated high-capacity lithium-ion battery in just 4 hours, a remarkable achievement when compared to other charging devices. Once charged, VoltAid stands ready to deliver over 7 hours of continuous off-grid power when all 8 slots are actively charging devices. This remarkable performance ensures that even in scenarios where multiple devices are in use, VoltAid keeps the power flowing. If a user is only charging a single device, the station can stand by for an impressive 22-23 hours, making it a reliable, long-lasting power source for individual users. This versatility reinforces VoltAid's position as an innovative, sustainable energy solution, contributing significantly to cleaner, more accessible energy options while promoting environmental and economic sustainability in areas where such advancements are greatly needed.

VoltAid is a sustainable development project that tackles real-world energy and education challenges through appropriate tech-innovation tailored for remote communities. It exemplifies scalable solutions that can drive progress across the SDGs. (technical explanation in the attached video).

Sustainable Development Goals:
1) SDG 4 - Quality Education

-Provides continuous electricity access to charge devices by efficiently storing energy in an integrated lithium-ion battery and making it available on demand. This enables uninterrupted participation in remote lessons, study, and assignments for students facing frequent power cuts without relying on sources like diesel generators for electricity.

-Allows flexibility to access education at any time rather than just when grid electricity is inconsistently available. Students can join lessons or study on their own schedule without disruption.

2) SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

-Increases availability of renewable electricity in off-grid villages where access to affordable clean energy may be scarce. Reduces reliance on polluting, higher-cost alternatives like kerosene.

-Utilizes a minimal amount of electricity for a quick 4-hour charge, providing up to 22-23 hours of power when one device is in use and 7 hours when all eight slots are actively charging devices.

3) SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

-Helps provide equitable access to electricity for underserved groups and remote marginalized communities who lack resources. Enables them to gain uninterrupted access to remote education.

-Targets unequal access to electricity, education, and technology faced by low-income regions with limited existing electrical infrastructure.

4) SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

-Provides clean energy solution suitable for decentralized off-grid applications in villages and rural communities not connected to main electrical grid.

-Can be easily scaled (due to its portability and mobility) to provide sustainable electricity access to multiple households as well as community institutions like schools, primary health centers, etc.

5) SDG 13 - Climate Action

-Avoids emissions associated with kerosene lanterns, diesel generators, and non-renewable grid electricity sources.

The battery charges using minimal electricity for a quick 4-hour charge, making it available on-demand without relying on high carbon-emitting sources.

6) SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

-Optimizes electricity usage by allowing monitoring of each device's charging levels and preventing any overcharging that wastes energy.

-The charging station is thoughtfully crafted using local sustainable materials, including responsibly sourced recycled plastics and reclaimed metal components, employing methods such as 3D printing to minimize resource waste.

7) SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

-Exemplifies creative frugal innovation tailored for rural infrastructure gaps by using available resources.

-Demonstrates how sustainable appropriate technology can be conceptualized, prototyped, tested, and deployed at local level by students.