Renewable technology gets the green light

Known as the Twerly, the technology features on CauseTech.net, which is an online platform that highlights breakthrough innovations international relief agency Unicef can use in its sustainable development efforts.

Twerly Tower of Power

Tower of Power

Unreliable power grids or a lack of formal infrastructure have created a gap for research and development in seeking off-the-grid energy alternatives for underdeveloped communities. And that's just what the aeronautical and industrial design boffins at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) set out to do when they developed the Twerly Tower of Power.

The technology harnesses solar and wind energy to provide communities with the security offered by reliable street lighting.

It also has the capacity for video surveillance, wifi connectivity and to charge household appliances - making it a multipurpose solution in areas where there is limited infrastructure. The system is monitored by a round-the-clock data collection network, not only for maintenance but also as a security measure.

The unit comprises a vertical axis turbine to harvest wind energy and a standard 140W photovoltaic (PV) solar panel to harvest the sun's power. The combination of these two renewable sources can power a battery which in turn lights up an LED. Testing has proven that the Twerly's battery can provide continuous illumination for three to four days even when there is no sun or wind.

Partners in development

This is when environmentally-minded entrepreneur, Nikolas Jankovich, entered the picture. He was looking for a green venture, and his business plan won him the opportunity to partner with NMMU and the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) - which provided the funding - to further develop the Twerly.

Moving in another direction

But it is the potential of the data management technology embedded in the Twerly where the real value lies.

Nikolas Jankovich, CEO of Twerly

"The brain of the Twerly was designed for surveillance and to monitor the status of the system and report any damages or maintenance needed on any given unit. The data is transmitted via a GSM network and stored on an off-site server."

"This capability takes the Twerly into a completely new realm. We cannot compete in the existing conventional streetlight market in terms of costs. Therefore the Twerly is not something that solves a problem in that regard. But there is enormous potential for providing wifi mesh networking in rural areas," Jankovich explains.

He mentions that platforms such as Google and Facebook, which want to extend their reach into remote areas of Africa and South America, have expressed interest in the Twerly's technology.

Anywhere in the world

Jankovich says the Twerly has an outsourced manufacturing model which means it can be assembled anywhere in the world.

"When we sign up a service provider, part of the contract will be to appoint a manufacturer, who will also be responsible for the maintenance of towers.
He says Twerly is in the process of expanding its global presence and will soon be establishing offices in Atlanta, Brazil and Europe.

To find out more about the Twerly, go to www.twerlypower.com.