Title: THE UTILIZATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL FROM DISCARDED CALCULATORS AS AN IMPROVISED SOLAR POWER BANK
Authors: Aries L. Paco, MAEd, Kyle Vincent E. Dela Cruz, Luisse Leonard T. Galleto, Mark Justin M. Goyo, Myko Kariete B. Salanguit, Amenah A. Guro and Paula Franzhely N. Tolentino
Abstract:

The problem of energy storage and portable charging is addressed in this study with a green and affordable method. With the use of photovoltaic cells from discarded calculators, the study seeks to build a solar power bank. With the absorption of photons and the subsequent release of electrons, photovoltaic cells are devices that transform sunlight into electricity. They can power a variety of devices and are a clean, sustainable source of energy composed of materials like silicon. Proving its effectiveness, the efficiency rate of the power bank in charging a mobile device at various times was tested. The study proved that after 150 minutes, the device was charged from 0% to (100%). The research methodology involves the collection of discarded calculators, the dismantling of these calculators, and the extraction of their photovoltaic cells. The cells are then assembled and connected to maximize the energy output that can be used to charge batteries or portable devices. The study also examined the economic and environmental benefits of this approach. Utilizing a material such as a photovoltaic cell is a good way to reuse and recycle discarded materials or e-wastes. It was found that the cost of creating a solar power bank from discarded calculators is significantly lower than purchasing a new one. Furthermore, the ability to reuse discarded calculators reduces the amount of electronic waste and contributes to environmental sustainability. This study suggests that the use of discarded calculators as a source of photovoltaic cells has the potential to be implemented on a larger scale. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that photovoltaic cells from discarded calculators can be repurposed to create a solar power bank. This solution provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of generating and storing electricity.

Keywords: photovoltaic cells, discarded calculator, electronic waste, solar energy, powerbank, and sustainable environment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2023.4210
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