JOHOR BARU: Night market traders often rely on petrol-powered generators to keep their stalls running.
But apart from enduring the loud noise and fumes, they also face the burden of daily fuel expenses.
These problems may soon come to an end, thanks to a team of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia researchers who have invented a cleaner, quieter and cost-effective inverter with a lithium battery.
The university’s Power Electrical Department senior lecturer Dr Nur Faizal Kasri said the device could slash traders’ operating costs by some 90%.
Compared to generators, which traders spend some RM5 daily on petrol, he said charging a battery costs only about 50sen.
He said the device also tracks its battery level, daily energy use and estimated carbon reduction.
“It is safer because it eliminates the fire hazards associated with petrol storage and open combustion engines,” he added.
For a start, 20 traders at the Taman Teratai night market in Skudai received a unit each under a trial programme in collaboration with the Iskandar Puteri City Council last year.
He said feedback from users has been encouraging.
“Most of them said that apart from saving costs, they now enjoy a more pleasant environment and a better image for their stalls.
“One trader shared that she could chat comfortably with customers without having to raise her voice over the roar of a generator,” he said.
Nur Faizal said the second phase of the project is scheduled for November.
“This round, we will use the upgraded version with a larger battery capacity of 1,200Wh, enough to power more equipment for up to 12 hours.
“Energy access should not come at the expense of the environment or people’s discomfort.
“If we can make clean power affordable, we can improve lives,” he said.
