Alternative energy has reached a point where we’re willing to stop at nothing to find different ways to power up our lives. Take for example Michael Hoffmann’s new project for a solar powered toilet, which aims to convert sewage into renewable power with the use of solar panels.
The premise is simple – you use the toilet, and once you’re done, the remnants are heated by means of energy generated by a solar panel, instead of simply flushing the remnants down the toilet. This leads to generation of carbon and hydrogen which can then be used to power fuel cells.
This project is being funded by none other than Bill and Melinda Gates with their Gates Foundation, and Michael (who, incidentally, is not related to Albert) believes he can bring down the hefty $2000 price-tag being slapped on the prototype drastically through mass production. His idea for this revolutionary new toilet stemmed from similar work using solar powered cells for the treatment and purification of water.
If this project is a success, who knows, maybe, you could one day have the privilege of using your own personal waste to power your living room! Ah, the wonders of technology.
Via: NewScientist
