Posted on 05/07/2006 1:24:12 AM PDT by SteveH
Scientists harness the power of pee
Judy Skatssoon
ABC Science Online
Urine batteries can't power laptops yet, but they could theoretically keep a digital watch working
A urine powered battery the size of a credit card has been invented by Singapore researchers.
A drop of urine generates 1.5 volts, the equivalent of one AA battery, says Dr Ki Bang Lee of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
He says the technology could provide a disposable power source for electronic diagnostic devices that test urine and other body fluids for diseases like diabetes.
These currently need lithium batteries or external power sources. But with this system, the body fluid being tested could power the unit itself.
TAlk about "renewable energy", LOL.
Just picture people "refilling their batteries".
Well then, we have solved the energy requirements for automobiles now. Just get several batteries, string them in parallel, and fill 'em with pee juice.
I would never have to log off FreeRepublic
I can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration, Communist indoctrination, Communist subversion, and the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids... "
-Base Commander Ripper
"A drop of urine generates 1.5 volts, the equivalent of one AA battery, says Dr Ki Bang Lee of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology."
This is an interesting article; but the quote is somewhat misleading. Volts are a measure of electromotive force -- not of the energy delivered. Different types of batteries have different voltages -- AA is a size not type.
Well in that case My cloths hamper just got a couple thosand volt recharge It had a lid I thought it was the toilet oh well back to bed now I must have been sleep peeeing dam ambien and ripple
The scientific term for this is called the "Ripple Effect."
LOL
This is good news. When my cell phone battery dies, it pisses me of.
peeing ping
To continue the thought:
It ain't the voltage that counts, it is the current (amps) or wattage (volts X amps).
Walking across the carpet in your slippers can easily generate 10,000 volts... But it it is micro amps of current. Even at 10,000 volts the best 'work' you can get out of the 'juice' is a flicker in a fluorescent bulb.
Yeah, urine as an electrolyte on the right materials can generate some elecricity, but is is a VERY inefficient one. Vinegar, grapefruit juice or even cola drinks are better. A gallon of the stuff won't run an average light bulb for five minutes.
This statement is just more pseudo science for the ignorant masses.
Oh, I might add, the 'urine powered' batteries is hardly a new thing. I saw my first commercially available one thirty years ago, and remember seeing home made ones 45 years ago when I was a kid.
I don't think Bender will like that idea!
I have a better suggestion. Someone should invent a urinal with little water wheels in them. The faster we got them to spin, the more energy we generate.
My dog scaps, tanking up the truckster.....
IPODDY
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