Eco Factor: Device to convert vibrations into electricity developed by Bristol University researchers.
Industrial designers have envisioned days when portable electronic devices will be powered by vibrations created anywhere near them. Researchers at Bristol University are bringing the concept to reality in a much better form.
These researchers are developing a new type of energy-harvesting device that makes use of non-linear springs and mass. The change would enable the device to convert vibrations of different frequencies produced by a wide range of appliances such as kettles and dishwashers into electricity to charge portable electronic devices.
Since the device won’t make use of any batteries, it will be much greener than other similar products that store charge in built-in batteries. In addition to use in households, the research team is also exploring how vibrations caused by machines such as helicopters and trains could be used to produce power.
Via: Treehugger
