http://energyblog.nationalgeographic.com/2014/10/15/your-pants-might-charge-your-phone-one-day-suggests-new-tiny-generator-study/
National Geographic [Energy Blog]
Christina Nunez
October 15, 2014
A recent study conducted by Columbia University Engineering and Georgia Institute Departments, have discovered the smallest energy generator yet. Through a small material, no thicker than a layer of atoms, kinetic energy can be transformed into power. This two dimensional layer which could possibly serve as an energy generator, is a compound of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), which is also used as ski wax and as a dry lubricant for brakes and engines. After noticing the piezoelectric effect, scientists have inferred that this material could possibly be woven into clothing, allowing our clothing to be portable chargers for our phones, or power for body sensors and medical devices.
Minimality
The best benefit for the users of this possible future innovation, is the size of the energy generator, and the simplicity that comes along with it. We wouldn't have to purchase chargers, or worry about our batteries running out, as the material has a piezoelectric effect, which means that it generates energy as it goes, without the necessity to recharge. Piezo electricity requires the expansion or squeezing of a substance to produce energy, which would be very simple in clothing as it is constantly in movement.
Piezoelectricity
Generating power through expanding or squeezing a substance may be a very useful innovation and simple way to attaining energy, as it has been shown previously in creating energy through foot traffic. This means, that the tiles which people would step on, converted kinetic energy into power, which could then be used. This saves a lot of money on production and usage of energy, which is commonly produced using fossil fuels. Having this to be a very sustainable source, we can expand on this innovation and make it possible for future generations to not only charge there phones in their pocket - or become the charger in this case - but also to decrease the usage of energy on an initially minimal scale.
Energy cost & production
The production of piezoelectric material being woven into clothing would definitely be a new and expensive innovation at first, but in a few generations from now, it may be a generally used concept, as piezoelectricity is becoming a thing now, lighting up roads for cars which are driving on them or the sidewalks for the people stepping on them. This would definitely decrease the usage of energy and materials used to produce chargers or batteries, however it will take lots of time to adjust to this new concept, if it is so effective, which we do not yet know.
I believe, that this is a very useful and modern innovation, as it is important to continue research on different technologies which may improve our life and then environment for future generations, however also puts emphasis on how important it is, for us to pay attention to small things which matter so much - such as would the production of this material and clothing be a sustainable process. We cannot depend on technology saving our lives, as it cannot breakthrough our exponentially growing destruction of the planet. However, if this was to come out, we would also have to consider the health effects of constantly being intact with energy and possibly waves of radiation? It all depends on whether or not the scientists develop this properly, will we then be able to use this technology in the future.
National Geographic [Energy Blog]
Christina Nunez
October 15, 2014
A recent study conducted by Columbia University Engineering and Georgia Institute Departments, have discovered the smallest energy generator yet. Through a small material, no thicker than a layer of atoms, kinetic energy can be transformed into power. This two dimensional layer which could possibly serve as an energy generator, is a compound of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), which is also used as ski wax and as a dry lubricant for brakes and engines. After noticing the piezoelectric effect, scientists have inferred that this material could possibly be woven into clothing, allowing our clothing to be portable chargers for our phones, or power for body sensors and medical devices.
Minimality
The best benefit for the users of this possible future innovation, is the size of the energy generator, and the simplicity that comes along with it. We wouldn't have to purchase chargers, or worry about our batteries running out, as the material has a piezoelectric effect, which means that it generates energy as it goes, without the necessity to recharge. Piezo electricity requires the expansion or squeezing of a substance to produce energy, which would be very simple in clothing as it is constantly in movement.Piezoelectricity
Generating power through expanding or squeezing a substance may be a very useful innovation and simple way to attaining energy, as it has been shown previously in creating energy through foot traffic. This means, that the tiles which people would step on, converted kinetic energy into power, which could then be used. This saves a lot of money on production and usage of energy, which is commonly produced using fossil fuels. Having this to be a very sustainable source, we can expand on this innovation and make it possible for future generations to not only charge there phones in their pocket - or become the charger in this case - but also to decrease the usage of energy on an initially minimal scale.
Energy cost & production
The production of piezoelectric material being woven into clothing would definitely be a new and expensive innovation at first, but in a few generations from now, it may be a generally used concept, as piezoelectricity is becoming a thing now, lighting up roads for cars which are driving on them or the sidewalks for the people stepping on them. This would definitely decrease the usage of energy and materials used to produce chargers or batteries, however it will take lots of time to adjust to this new concept, if it is so effective, which we do not yet know.
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| Piezoelectricity in roads |
This is interesting stuff. There are so many possibilities to it, beyond just charging our devices. I mean, I've used portable phone chargers, and they are handy to have, but this technology promises so much more than just charging up a device. Makes me want to come up ideas for it.
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