HYGROELECTRICITY

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Context

A groundbreaking discovery in the field of renewable energy.

Details

• Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a technology called hygroelectricity, which generates electricity from humid air.
• This concept, explored by Nikola Tesla, has been a subject of scientific inquiry for decades and is now closer to becoming a reality.

How it Works

• The technology utilizes a device with two electrodes and a thin layer of material filled with nanopores.
• As the water molecules move from an upper chamber to a lower chamber, they interact with the edges of the nanopores, leading to the buildup of electric charge imbalances between the chambers.
• This process effectively transforms the device into a miniature battery, generating continuous electricity.

Similar to Clouds and Lightning

• Researchers compare the device to a small-scale, man-made cloud that converts air humidity into usable electricity.
• Potential applications include powering miniature computers, sensors, and providing sustainable energy sources for remote locations.

Versatility and Continuous Availability

• One significant advantage of this technology is its versatility, applicable to a range of materials with the necessary nanopores.
• Unlike solar and wind energy, air humidity is continuously available, making it a sustainable reservoir of energy.

Challenges and Potential

• Currently, the device can produce electricity equivalent to only a fraction of a volt, making scaling up for practical energy demands a challenge.
• More data on power output and cost-effectiveness is needed for widespread adoption of this revolutionary energy source.

https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2023/07/20/scientists-unveil-method-to-power-devices-using-air-humidity.html