About PlayMade Energy
PlayMade Energy was formed in May 2008 to develop an electricity generating see-saw design which has been called the ‘Energee-Saw’. This idea began as a result of personal volunteer experience in Africa and a University Master’s level research project.
The product has been primarily designed to bring playground equipment and electricity to schools in the developing world which have no access to power.
Without power, development can be very difficult. The Energee-Saw will help to power low drain appliances such as LED lighting and school communication devices using a renewable energy source generated by fun and play! Play is a natural and universal activity that helps children to communicate, develop and form friendships and cooperation.
The Energee-Saw has been designed as a kit which is as environmentally sustainable as possible. The kit comprises of metal assembly components and two portable generator units. With the additional use of locally sourced materials, this approach will reduce the carbon footprint of installing the product.
The kit weighs approximately 45 – 50kg depending upon which accessories and appliances are included. This means that with standard long-haul and enhanced baggage allowances, kits can be taken by organisations, volunteers and others by air to be installed at supported school projects all over the world. Kits could also be sent out to locations by combining with charities’ and organisations’ existing supply chains and shipping of materials.
The transported kit is combined with materials locally sourced by the charity or organisation, including sustainably chosen timber and reused car tyres to complete the build of an Energee-Saw. This will involve the community, uses local labour and workmanship and helps to build a pride and care of ownership at each Energee-Saw school. Such community involvement and support from a charity/organisation is at the heart of ensuring the sustainability and longevity of an installation.
When children have play on the Energee-Saw, electricity will be stored in 12v batteries contained within the generator units. These are portable and can be easily brought into the classroom to power appliances when they have charge, and in addition can be stored securely during poor weather and at night contributing toward the product’s sustainability.
Development has been conducted in the UK, Uganda and Malawi. Power has been generated to operate LED lamps to provide useful low-level office or classroom lighting along with powering other low drain appliances.
