Ever since humans started generating electricity, they have only relied on natural resources such as coal, oil, and gas for extracting power. Knowing that these fossil fuels can never be replenished, there has been a growing interest in exploring alternative sources of renewable energy. In recent years, scientists have been working on the idea of generating electricity out of thin air, which sounds almost impossible- but their skill and dedication have proved us wrong.
Understanding the science:
The concept of generating electricity out of thin air is based on a phenomenon known as “atmospheric electricity.” The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapour. These gases are constantly in motion, creating an electrical charge that can be harnessed to generate electricity.
One of the most promising technologies for generating electricity out of thin air is the development of “atmospheric energy harvesters.” These devices use a combination of materials and techniques to generate electricity from the surrounding atmosphere. They typically work by creating an electrostatic charge between two electrodes, which can be used to power electronic devices.
There are several different types of atmospheric energy harvesters in development. One approach is to use a material known as a “triboelectric generator,” which generates electricity when two materials are rubbed together. Another approach is to use a “field-effect transistor,” which uses the electric charge of the surrounding atmosphere to power a device. While the technology for generating electricity out of thin air is still in its early stages, there are already some promising results.
The invention of Air-Gen:
R&D is an ongoing process- especially in the field of science and technology. To take ahead the research on renewable electricity generation, researchers from the American University of Massachusetts Amherst have invented a device â Air-gen (air-powered generator). The device makes use of natural protein to create electricity from humidity in the air. According to their opinion, this technology could have interesting implications for the future of renewable energy, climate change, and the future of medicine.
Understanding the process further:
The device requires a thin film of protein nanowires, which is less than 10 microns thick. The bottom of the film rests on an electrode, while a smaller electrode that covers only part of the nanowire film sits on top. The filmâs pores absorb the water vapour contained in the atmosphere. A combination of the electrical conductivity and surface chemistry of the protein nanowires, coupled with the fine pores between the nanowires within the film, establishes the conditions that generate an electrical current between the two electrodes. The best part is- The researchers also claim that this device is capable of generating power in areas where humidity is extremely low.
Conclusion:
Earth has already bestowed all good things(resources) to humans; quite unfortunately, we have been lavishly using these resources to the extent of their extinction. We wonât be wrong if we say that science & technology is our only beacon of hope. Having said that, we are sure many scientists & researchers will bring non-polluting and renewable electricity generating inventions in the near future. And something that looks impossible will soon become part of our daily lives.
Till, we explore further exploration and research in renewable energy takes place and make it commercially viable for scalable use, Solar has been a frontrunner in the family of terms of renewables energy which in recent years has gained immense polpularity because of the abundant energy that is been provided by sun to the earth and more importantly as humans we have been able to make it commercvially viable as well as scalable in all parts of the world.
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