Rainfall, so common and often untapped, could be the next great sustainable energy source thanks to a floating generator created by researchers at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA). This innovative system, dubbed W-DEG, transforms the impact of each drop into a voltage of up to 250 V, without requiring soil or heavy infrastructure.
Energy from water surfaces
Unlike traditional generators, which rely on rigid platforms and metal connections, the W-DEG floats directly on bodies of water. It uses liquid as a structural base and bottom electrode. This allows for fast, cost-effective installation with zero land occupation, which is key in protected or agriculturally intensive areas.
The mechanism is based on a well-known physical principle: electrification by impact. Each drop that collides with the dielectric surface of the device generates an electric charge, which is channeled through the liquid mass itself. Even in salt or polluted water, the system maintains its efficiency.
Practical applications of the low-cost floating generator
The design, just 0.3 m² in its current prototype, has proven capable of powering up to 50 LED lights in real-world tests. It has also charged small capacitors in a few minutes, opening the door to its use in autonomous communication or environmental monitoring systems.
Potential applications include water quality sensors, floating weather stations, signaling buoys or lighting systems in rural micro-grids. All without cables, without noisy generators and without emissions.
Adaptability and resilience in real environments
The floating generator has been tested in extreme environments: temperature variations, high salinity and even the presence of biological waste. A passive drainage system prevents accumulated water from interfering with the impact of new drops, ensuring a continuous flow of energy while it rains.
Thanks to its low cost and ease of implementation, the W-DEG represents a viable option for regions without access to grid electricity. In humid climates or areas with frequent rainfall, it could become a strategic source of energy backup.
Complement for renewable systems
Rather than replacing other technologies, this system is emerging as a complement to solar and wind infrastructures, especially on cloudy days. In addition, its installation in dams, canals or urban ponds would make it possible to take advantage of water surfaces that are not in active use, multiplying the energy yield of these areas.
The development of technologies such as W-DEG demonstrates how simple solutions, if well thought out, can transform climate challenges into energy opportunities with real impact in vulnerable or remote areas.
Source and photo: Ecoinventions