Researchers in Sweden have developed a new
technique where you can charge your devices anywhere without electricity,
provided there is a water source nearby. Just add a spoonful and get instant
power, anytime anywhere.
Handy
for anyone who spends time away from electricity, the small, lightweight
PowerTrekk could power critical devices for warfighters and aid workers
deployed to remote areas of the world, Fox News reported.
Developed by a team in Sweden's KTH Royal Institute
of Technology and made by MyFC, it's the world's first water-activated charging
device that powers using fresh or salt water,
the developers claimed. It can extend battery lifeup
to 3 watts.
So
if you take an iPhone, the charge would be enough for between 25 and 100
per cent of its battery capacity. Any convenient water can be harvested for
power, from a
kitchen faucet through to a
puddle in the jungle.
Solar charging can be affected by the weather
and the position of the sun, of course, and not hugely helpful if your urgent
power shortage hits at night. Water charging isn't hindered by these external
factors. Even in a desert, a spoonful of water from your thermos can give you
power.
The new device leverages the team's more than 15 years of research on micro
fuel cell technology and small flat Proton Exchange
Membrane fuel cells at the Department of Applied Electrochemistry at KTH.
To
use the PowerTrekk charger, you fill-up water compartment with about one
tablespoon, close the lid and connect it to the electronic device with a USB cable. It starts charging automatically as the water
inside interacts with a small disposable metal disc causing hydrogen gas to be
released.
When
the gas combines with oxygen it converts chemical energy into electrical
energy. While in many ways fuel cells are similar to batteries, they are
different in that electrodes do not become consumed making them finite.
Instead
provided water and air is provided to the electrodes, these fuel cells will
run. Very green power, water vapor is the only by-product.
Currently,
Powertrekk works with devices like cell and smartphones, digital cameras, iPods
and GPS. The company is looking into developing their fuel cells to function
for larger devices like laptops.
resource- Indian times
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