Many green power solutions aim to generate a large amount of electricity to combat global warming. However, there are also projects focused on using small renewable energy sources to power sensors and wearable devices. In addition to nighttime solar power, there is now a wind turbine that operates with even the slightest breeze. Welcome to the world of electricity from small-scale sources, where the tiniest vibration can power a device.
The Tiny Wind Harvester
While the largest wind turbines can be as tall as 850 feet and produce megawatts of electricity, a prototype created by scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore measures just six inches in height by eight inches in width and produces two hundred and ninety microwatts of power. Despite its small size, this prototype is unique in its efficiency.
This Singapore prototype can function in a breeze as gentle as two meters per second, equivalent to a two on the Beaufort scale which measures wind intensity. In simple terms, this is just enough wind to feel a light breeze on your face. Additionally, similar to bladeless wind turbines, this prototype uses vibration technology rather than traditional turbine blades.
Constructed using low-cost materials like copper, aluminum, and Teflon, along with an epoxy fiber body, this device converts vibrations into electricity. A long piece of aluminum foil vibrates in the wind, generating an electric charge that is then transmitted from the aluminum foil to the copper foil to produce a triboelectric effect.
In lab tests, the prototype was able to power forty LED bulbs with a four-meter-per-second breeze and was also capable of powering a thermal sensor and transmitting data wirelessly to a mobile phone. The device includes a rechargeable battery to store excess energy when there is no wind.
Applications in Urban and Rural Settings
This innovative wind harvester is designed for an era of sensors and IoT devices that will proliferate with the advancement of 5G technology. As a result, this device could power sensors placed on buildings in areas with low wind speeds, such as the suburbs of Singapore. These sensors could monitor temperature, air quality, and other environmental factors.
With its eco-friendly design, this device is also suitable for use in forest sensors to detect wildfires or other emergencies. When the device reaches the end of its lifespan, it will not pose any harm to the environment.
The Trillion Sensor Challenge
As IoT networks grow, the need for energy-efficient sensors becomes crucial. Technologies like triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) offer a renewable way to power these devices. For example, a new version of TENG developed by scientists in China can harness wind at low speeds and has demonstrated the ability to power a water quality sensor.
To explore more about renewable energies, including these innovative technologies, subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.
Source:
