Korean Designers Invent Wind Powered Battery Charger
A team of young Korean designers have invented a battery charger that runs on 100% renewable energy. The Febot might look a bit like a torpedo that’s gone wrong, but the in-built propellors mean that each one can generate enough energy to top up a rechargable AA battery.
Now here’s the fun bit. The Febot comes with a suction cup that allows you to attach it to pretty much any flat surface or structure. In theory, you could attach it to the outside of your window, or even the top of your car. Just imagine—a tiny little wind farm all of your own.
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At this point, the Febot is still at the prototype stage. But, as soon as a few teething problems, like making sure the suction cup is strong enough to stand up to higher winds, are ironed out, I reckon there could be a market for a nifty little gadget like this. You have to admit, it certainly looks like a fun way of doing a very mundane task—and it’s 100% free green energy.
Image Credit - Gizmodo
How much energy does it take to make one of these chargers? How long before it will have paid for itself in energy terms?
I’m always sceptical of ‘green gadgets’.
mark. don’t be a twit. think. THINK.
how much carbon is required to make a new set of batteries every time you want to replace your wiimote batteries.
dbd. I’m comparing alternative ways of recharging, not comparing rechargables with ‘disposable’ batteries!
So my question is how does this gadget compare in total energy terms to recharging from the grid (possibly using energy from a windfarm)?
I am afraid that when I put this gadget on the top of my car, the car consumption due to worsen aerodynamics will increase and will result in higher carbon emissions than recharging from grid…