Eco Factor: Batteries powered by green energy.
Portable batteries used in portable electronic devices have seen some of the most eco-fascinating inventions recently. From urine-powered batteries to batteries that use sugar for energy, all showcased a new generation of portable batteries that won’t be a menace to the environment even if discarded. If urine power is not something you’d like to use in your much loved gadgets, Sony developed a sugar-powered battery system in October last year, which at that time was not as efficient and its output wasn’t anywhere near to conventional batteries available on the shelves today.
Taking the research a step further Sony has announced to showcase their new and improved sugar-powered battery at the FC EXPO 2009 event to be held at Tokyo Big Sight in a couple of days. Some updates in the technology have made these batteries more efficient without sacrificing the USP of getting powered by glucose-rich materials such as a soft drink.
Apart from sugar-powered batteries, Sony has also announced fuel cell batteries for the event. These batteries will use methanol as the main source of energy, which will be coupled with an auxiliary lithium-ion battery system. These batteries will come with a USB port to make them compatible with a vast range of gadgets. The fuel cells are touted to keep a cellphone charged for up to a month.
The Dark Side:
Just like their predecessors, the sugar-powered batteries won’t do well inside portable gadgets. However, the research does show the potential of natural materials when it comes to generating electricity in an environmentally clean way.
Via: GoodCleanTech/Impress
