I got the power in my pants...

[TreasonousBastard]

Fiber Nanogenerators Put the Power in Power Walking

Truly amazing advances are being made in nanotechnology and electrical energy generation, one of which is highlighted in a
Renewable Energy World article by John Toon.

Researchers led by Zhong Lin Wang at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Materials Science and Technology, are developing power fibers that can be used to manufacture shirts and other clothing that can convert energy released during physical motion into electrical energy capable of powering small electronic devices in the field. Applications are widespread and extend beyond soldiers and other military personnel using such power generating clothing to scientists, engineers and other researchers, as well as everyday people eventually wearing them to sustain our ever expanding reliance and fascination with portable electronic devices.

Moreover, the concept applies to all types of physical motion, not just human movement. Fiber-based nanogenerators — made of fibers coated with cultured zinc oxide nanowires - may be used to generate low voltage electric current from wind, sound or other forms of mechanical energy.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/31742

[Donnachaidh]

1. energy release?

"can convert energy released during physical motion into electrical energy capable of powering small electronic devices in the field"

Does this include methane? If so, I have some family members that I want to hook up. :rofl:

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Actually, it seems ike every 6 months or so I see..

some new scheme to collect and bottle cow belches and farts.

'Tis said the gas from a herd of dairy cattle could light a small city.

[kentauros]

2. Someone needs to find a way of harvesting human-generated static electricity

because I'm a static magnet! Every single time I get out of my car, I must grab the metal frame or I will see a spark gap that would make Tesla proud. Not to mention a hand that is useless for half a minute due to the major electric shock ;)

It's a pretty cool idea, though. I just got the idea of a "wind generator" that looks like a tree, lightly blowing in the breeze. Take that all those that think wind generators look ugly! lol

[Zachstar]

3. Funny thing is it is actually not much total energy.

But when you pack on all that pressure (Volts)

ZAP!

I hope they will just find a way to keep you always static free without having to wear those funny ground bracelets.

[TreasonousBastard]

4. For years I've been wondering about covering trees...

with little piezo chips that would make a spark when the tree blows in the wind. Undoubtedly too expensive for the parts and labor, but if there were a cheap way to put enough on a tree and let them discharge into a big-ass capacitor...

This new techology, woven into something to wrap around tree branches, may work.

[losthills]

6. Better warn the squirrels first.....

[phantom power]

7. And dogs.

[Nihil]

8. Zap! *Yelp*

Just the thought of it makes my legs cross ...
:yoiks: