Engineer Chris Doel has repurposed discarded vape pens into a functional home battery capable of supplying 2.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy. Working at Jaguar Land Rover, Doel initiated this project after observing the common practice of disposing used vape pens at festivals. Over six months, he collected and tested lithium-ion cells from these devices, ultimately salvaging hundreds of operational cells.
By using hands-on electrical engineering alongside 3D printing for safety and practicality, Doel assembled the cells into a battery pack, which was successful in powering household appliances for up to eight hours during live demonstrations. The design allows for easy replacement of underperforming cells, showcasing a modular approach to energy storage.
This project highlights the issue of electronic waste, particularly from single-use products that contain valuable components. As the UK Government begins to implement a ban on the sale of single-use vapes, Doel’s endeavor sheds light on the potential for creating meaningful energy solutions from waste.
Doel is considering integrating solar charging to ensure the battery can recharge sustainably while also exploring avenues for scaling the recovery of discarded cells in the community.
- Why it matters:
- This project illustrates practical ways to mitigate electronic waste, presenting a model for reusing discarded technology.
- It encourages businesses to rethink product design and sustainability, especially in industries producing single-use items.
- The latest:
- Doel is pursuing plans to incorporate solar charging into his battery system and is seeking partnerships to enhance collection efforts of discarded devices.
Source: https://www.valleyvanguardonline.com/engineer-powers-entire-home-using-500-discarded-vapes-in-viral-video/
Source: https://www.valleyvanguardonline.com/engineer-powers-entire-home-using-500-discarded-vapes-in-viral-video/