Eco Factor: Plan to generate renewable electricity from air.
Scientists at the University of Campinas in Brazil are planning to generate electricity from thin air to feed the grid. Scientists once believed that water droplets in the atmosphere were electrically neutral, even if they came in contact with charged dust particles. Researchers at the Brazilian university have shown that tiny particles of silica and aluminum phosphate get charged negatively and positively when circulating in highly humid air.
The scientists are now picturing collectors that can collect and distribute this “hygroelectricity” from air. Just as solar panels work best in sunny places, these collectors will be most efficient when installed in humid parts of the world. Moreover, the collectors can reduce the amount of electrical charge in the air and prevent lightning.
The research team is now working with different metals, to find out which one would be able to harvest hygroelectricity in the most efficient manner.
Via: Gizmag
