2. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION THROUGH BICYCLE DYNAMO

1. Introduction

A simple and inexpensive method has been adopted for domestic lighting. A local entrepreneur has been involved in the generation of electricity. A water jet from locally made nozzle impinged on the runner (locally made from used utensils) fixed on the of bicycle dynamo generates the electricity that is used for domestic lighting.

The dynamo is operated by water jet from nozzle made of used ball pen. Water is supplied to nozzle through 20 mm HDPE pipe to run the runner. A head of about 15 m is maintained for the purpose. The alternate current generated from dynamo is stored in a used lead acid storage battery and used for lighting. Car bulbs are used for lighting. The system has a capacity to light 3 bulbs each with 12 volts.

Many VDCs of Tehrathum district are using bicycle dynamo for household lighting. Some of the households are also using electricity for running Black and White television.

The total cost of system is shown in the table below. The dynamo is available at NRs. 300-400 at local market.

		Item	No	Cost in Nrs	Total in Nrs
		Bicycle dynamo	1	400	400
		Bulbs	3	50	150
		20 mm HDPE pipe in m	30	18	540
		Used steel bowl for making runner	1	20	20
		Used 12 volt car battery	1	1000	1000
		Transmission wire in m	150	7	1050
		Total			3160

4. Further possible Improvement

• A low cost metallic nozzle instead of outer case of used ball pen would be more efficient and provide uniform flow.

• Air entrapment is common in HDPE pipe. A air vent would have help uniform flow of water.

The technology can be available from following address.

Mr. Damber Subba, District Development Committee

Tehrathum.

District Development Committee,

Tehrathum.