Harnessing Energy Using Spent Coffee Grounds

Alternative energy refers to all energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels and are often renewable and have a lower environmental impact. Fossil fuels are harmful to the environment due to their extraction, processing and burning. As we use fossil fuel to create electricity, it became one of the reasons for emitting tons of carbon creating climate change that has been the world’s problem for decades. According to the International Trade Administration (2020), Philippines is facing a mounting energy crisis as the Malampaya gas fields deplete, supplying 30% of Luzon`s energy consumption, which is expected to be depleted by 2024. Coffee beans are classified to be an acidic drink up to its grounds. Amidst the pandemic, coffee shops became a trend as society became fond of drinking it and spent coffee grounds were left disposed of. The research method adapted by the researchers is experimental research. The model is like a battery system connected in 2-series and 14-parallel circuit connection. The prototype is composed of zinc and graphite as anode and cathode submerged in a solution of spent coffee grounds. A 5V LED lamp is attached to a 5V DC to DC booster module making the spent coffee ground solution capable of lighting small electrical components as proof that energy can be harnessed through it.