Tag

Energy Harvesting

All articles tagged with #energy harvesting

Gelatin-Salt MEG Turns Humidity into Stable Power
energy1 day ago

Gelatin-Salt MEG Turns Humidity into Stable Power

Researchers have created a biodegradable Moisture-Electric Generator (MEG) from gelatin, table salt, and activated carbon that harvests energy from ambient humidity. A single unit delivers about 1 volt for over 30 days, and linking units in series can reach up to 90 V and 5 mA to power a 40-LED string, enabling applications in wearable health sensors. The device uses a water-based manufacturing process, relies on non-toxic materials, and biodegrades safely after use, offering a low-impact alternative to conventional batteries.

FIA backs 2027 engine redesign to ease energy harvesting
world18 days ago

FIA backs 2027 engine redesign to ease energy harvesting

FIA officials unanimously agreed to a 2027 engine redesign aimed at reducing reliance on energy harvesting and the associated speed penalties; final specs will be discussed in technical groups with teams and power-unit manufacturers, exploring methods to make harvesting less critical while managing costs and chassis constraints, with drivers welcoming the direction but saying more progress is needed.

Miami test exposes mixed results of F1's 2026 rule shake-up
sports22 days ago

Miami test exposes mixed results of F1's 2026 rule shake-up

At Miami, F1 tested the 2026 rule tweaks—smaller, lighter cars with hybrid engines and revised energy harvesting (7 MJ limit in qualifying, 350 kW) to encourage closer racing—with mixed responses: some drivers saw small improvements, but Verstappen remained critical and many called the changes insufficient as laps were ~1.5 seconds slower and ‘yo‑yo’ battles persisted.

Miami Debut Tests F1's 2026 Rule Shake-Up
sports22 days ago

Miami Debut Tests F1's 2026 Rule Shake-Up

Miami marked the return of F1 with new 2026 rules aimed at closer racing via lighter cars and a hybrid power split. The changes lowered energy harvesting in qualifying from 8 to 7 MJ and boosted peak electrical power to 350 kW to stabilise the speed profile. Reactions were mixed: Verstappen criticized the direction, Leclerc called it a step in the right direction, Norris remained unconvinced, and Piastri said the problems aren’t fixed though some improvements were seen, with times slower than 2025. With 2027 engine rule changes reportedly in the works, more tweaks could be coming to the formula.

2026 F1 cars feel leaner and livelier, say Mercedes drivers
sports3 months ago

2026 F1 cars feel leaner and livelier, say Mercedes drivers

Mercedes’ George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli say the 2026 F1 machines, unveiled after Barcelona testing, remain true Formula 1 cars but are lighter, smaller and more agile thanks to new aerodynamics and a 50/50 hybrid power unit. They describe moments of brutal torque out of corners, energy harvesting that can require lift-and-coast on some straights, and new start procedures, but also a more intuitive driving experience with improved corner feel and potential for easier overtaking compared with current cars. The changes come with learning curves, tyre management considerations, and no MGU-H, but the general consensus is that the cars are challenging yet engaging to drive.

Scientists develop tech that could render batteries obsolete in many devices
technology8 months ago

Scientists develop tech that could render batteries obsolete in many devices

Researchers at University College London have developed high-efficiency perovskite solar cells capable of harvesting indoor light to power small devices, potentially eliminating the need for batteries in many electronics. These cells boast a record conversion rate of 37.6% and are produced using simple, printable methods from abundant materials, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

"Self-Powered Sensor Harnesses Magnetic Energy for Automatic Energy Harvesting"
technology2 years ago

"Self-Powered Sensor Harnesses Magnetic Energy for Automatic Energy Harvesting"

MIT researchers have developed a self-powered sensor that can harvest energy from its environment, eliminating the need for batteries or special wiring. The sensor, which can be embedded in hard-to-reach places, such as inside a ship's engine, gathers data on power consumption and operations for extended periods. The researchers offer a design guide for an energy-harvesting sensor that can be applied to various power sources, making it suitable for factories, warehouses, and commercial spaces. The sensor's energy management system addresses challenges such as cold starting, energy storage, and control algorithms, enabling it to operate without a battery and transmit data using Bluetooth.

"Lenovo Unveils CES 2024 Keyboard and Mouse That Convert Anxiety into Electricity"
technology2 years ago

"Lenovo Unveils CES 2024 Keyboard and Mouse That Convert Anxiety into Electricity"

At CES 2024, Lenovo unveiled a keyboard and mouse set that harnesses kinetic energy from fidgety fingers to recharge, featuring a spinning dial on the keyboard and a winding ring on the mouse. The keyboard includes a solar panel for passive recharging and a spinning dial that converts kinetic energy into battery charge, while the mouse has a winding key for its battery. Lenovo claims that a few minutes of spinning or winding can provide significant battery charge, and the devices are also equipped with USB-C ports and wireless connectivity options. These prototype devices are not yet available for purchase.

Harnessing the Power of Black Holes: Turning Them into Batteries
science-and-technology2 years ago

Harnessing the Power of Black Holes: Turning Them into Batteries

Researchers have proposed two methods for harnessing energy from black holes, utilizing their rotational and gravitational properties. The first method involves charging the black hole battery by injecting massive, electrically charged particles, while the second method involves collecting Schwinger pairs formed near the event horizon. Although the practical use of black hole energy remains a distant possibility, exploring these possibilities provides insights into the mechanics of these astronomical phenomena.

Harnessing Everyday Motion: Limestone Putty Nanogenerator Powers Small Devices
technology2 years ago

Harnessing Everyday Motion: Limestone Putty Nanogenerator Powers Small Devices

Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville have developed a new type of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that utilizes limestone putty to generate electricity from everyday motion. This breakthrough offers significant cost savings compared to traditional TENGs that use expensive nanotechnology-based fabrication methods. The use of "tacky" materials like limestone putty makes the device simpler to build and more cost-effective. The researchers also extended the operational frequency bandwidth by incorporating a metallized polyester sheet, allowing for a wider range of energy collection. The study is part of a Department of Defense program and has potential applications in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks.

Harnessing Graphene's Ripples: Scientists Achieve Clean Energy Breakthrough
science-and-technology2 years ago

Harnessing Graphene's Ripples: Scientists Achieve Clean Energy Breakthrough

Researchers have discovered a groundbreaking method to extract energy from ambient heat using graphene, contradicting long-established physics theories. By connecting freestanding graphene to a circuit with diodes and storage capacitors, the team demonstrated that thermal fluctuations can produce useful work by charging the capacitors. This discovery has significant commercial potential, particularly for wireless sensors, as it offers a new source of clean, limitless power that does not require a temperature gradient. The technology, known as Graphene Energy Harvester (GEH), has attracted interest from NTS Innovations, a nanotechnology company, which holds the exclusive license to develop GEH into commercial products.