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Researchers Tap Sound Vibrations to Create Energy

by Ben Deitz on March 25, 2010 at 03:10 PM

Scientists have searched from sea to sun in the exploration for alternative energy sources. Researchers at the University of Michigan have turned to sound; an unexpected, yet abundant source of energy.

Scientists at U of M's Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems have created miniature generators that produce energy from random vibrations, such as the sound of a passing cars, footsteps or machinery. The sonic batteries measure less than a half cubic inch and can produce 0.5 milliwatts of power -- enough to power a wristwatch. While that may not seem like a lot, the eventual goal is to be able to power surgically implanted devices such as pacemakers, which would otherwise require costly battery replacements.

While it seems unlikely at the moment, the prospect of charging our cell phones by merely taking a walk down a busy street is enticing. The researchers are exploring more realistic possibilities for the devices as well, including powering sensors that can check for air pollutants or alert inspectors about stresses and cracks in bridges.

For aurally sensitive city dwellers like ourselves, it's comforting to know that the constant ambient noise we live in can someday be harnessed for good. [From: PSFK, via: EurekAlert]

Tags: alternative energy, AlternativeEnergy, batteries, battery, engineering research center for wireless integrated microsystems, EngineeringResearchCenterForWirelessIntegratedMicrosystems, greentech, sound, top, university of michigan, UniversityOfMichigan

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