Georgia Tech Unveils Prototype Nanogenerator 208
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created a working prototype nanogenerator capable of generating as much as 4 watts per cubic centimeter of continuous direct current. The generators are green (to use), drawing power from natural motion in the surrounding environment. They are based on non-toxic chemicals and should be safe for use in biomechanical implants, but that's not their only potential use. From the article: "If you had a device like this in your shoes when you walked, you would be able to generate your own small current to power small electronics," Wang noted. "Anything that makes the nanowires move within the generator can be used for generating power. Very little force is required to move them."
Re:Who is John Galt? (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Conservation of Energy (Score:2, Informative)
Because I'm bored (Score:3, Informative)
You'd need basically an entire body-suit to power an espresso machine.
Re:Electric Emoticon Announcement (Score:3, Informative)
Prototype doesn't produce 4W... (Score:2, Informative)
Summary could be a little more accurate, seems that in absolutely perfect conditions it could mathematically produce 4W. Who knows what the real world efficiency would be.
"...with optimization, their nanogenerator could produce as much as 4 watts per cubic centimeter - based on a calculation for a single nanowire."
Still could be a very useful device, especially if it's durable enough and can be produced cheaply enough to integrate into clothing or maybe even larger areas.
BFD (Score:2, Informative)
What you are really seeing is publish or perish in action.
Green to use (Score:3, Informative)
My friend the principle of energy conservation told me that they are no more green to use than that which causes the motion in the surrounding environment (probably a little less).