Scientists in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, have developed an efficient electric generator model that efficiently converts the energy from evaporating water into electricity to power small electronic devices.
This innovative invention is inspired by the “classic drinking bird toy”, it becomes a device that produces power outputs in excess of 100 volts. In addition, it can run for several days using as little as 100 milliliters of water as fuel.
An efficient electrical generator model
The drinking bird toy, also known as the “dippy bird,” has been a staple in science classrooms for decades. The project consists of two glass bulbs connected by a glass tube containing a highly volatile liquid, methylene chloride. When the bird’s head is immersed in a glass of water, the water begins to evaporate, creating a pressure differential that causes the liquid in the lower bulb to rise up the tubefilling the bird’s head and making it lean forward to “take a drink” before the process is repeated.
To create the generator, the researchers placed two triboelectric nanogenerator modules (which harvest mechanical energy) on either side of a drinking bird engine rebuilt from a commercial toy. In addition, tests of the prototype was also tested with with various small electronic devices, including liquid crystal displays, temperature sensors and other items.
Electricity generator application inspired by the drinking bird toy. Source: Science X
Overcoming the friction that slowed down the generator was a major challenge in the study, but the researchers were able to reduce it by using load-transfer materials in the nanogenerator modules.
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Source: eurekalert.org
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