Posted on 04/15/2006 3:20:18 PM PDT by PeaceBeWithYou
This is only a dozen technology generations away from harvesting the ambient vibrations omnipresent in the Universe.
Imagine nano devices with the ability to harvest 100% of the electromagnetic spectrum and vibrations transmitted through the air or water, or through direct contact.
Imagine an air conditioner that is powered in part by the heat from the air it cools. ;-)
Bump for future reference.
But I'm sure, as fate would have it, the PMS nag mode would wear off when the Giants are driving for the winning score with 30 seconds left in the game.... LOL!
"Wow! That sounds similar to piezoelectric devices, which convert mechanical stress to electricity and have been around for years. What a scoop!"
Your comment is valid, but little skewed. What is new in this case is not the technology itself, but the idea of gaining energy "for free" from the environment in a way not previously thought of. Piezoelectric devices are powered by batteries or wall outlet power sources---they are not utilized as sources of power.
No, they are not. You might want to do a little research before you challenge an electronics engineer about matters regarding her chosen field.
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