A
University of Texas at Arlington research associate and
electrical engineering professor have created a micro-windmill
that generates wind energy. The device is just 1.8 mm at its
widest point. A single grain of rice could hold ten of the
teensy windmills. One of the windmills is pictured above on
the face of a penny.
The researchers, Smitha Rao and
J.C. Chiao, say the micro-windmills could be used to charge
cell phone batteries by embedding hundreds of them in a cell
phone sleeve. The scientists say you could then recharge the
phone by waving it in the air or holding it up to an open
window on a windy day.
Dr. Rao said in a statement,
"Imagine that they can be cheaply made on the surfaces of
portable electronics, so you can place them on a sleeve for
your smart phone. When the phone is out of battery power, all
you need to do is to put on the sleeve, wave the phone in the
air for a few minutes and you can use the phone again."
Photo: UT
Arlington