Professor J.C. Chiao and post doctorate engineer and researcher Dr. Smitha Rao have revolutionized the way we look at traditional windmills by constructing tiny 1.88 mm in diameter windmill-powered nickel alloys, that are so small that 10 of these minuscule structures can all be mounted on a single grain of rice.
Taking on the idea of Japanese origami concepts and traditional semiconducting devices, the micro windmills were inspired by the growing importance of harnessing and using sustainable energy sources while providing an alternative and more environmentally friendly way to power and recharge smartphone batteries. Despite its tiny size, it is pretty durable as well and "the micro-windmills can endure strong winds, owing to being constructed of a tough nickel alloy (rather than the silicon and silicon oxide layers typical of MEMS designs) and smart aerodynamic design," says Rao on the tough nature of the tiny design.
Micro Windmill-Powered Chargers
This 1.88MM Wide Windmill Can Recharge Your Smartphone Battery
Trend Themes
1. Micro Windmill-powered Chargers - Developing micro windmills to power and recharge smartphone batteries presents disruptive innovation opportunities in sustainable energy and consumer electronics industries.
2. Japanese Origami Concepts - Applying Japanese origami concepts in the design and construction of micro windmills introduces disruptive innovation opportunities in renewable energy and engineering industries.
3. Smart Aerodynamic Design - Utilizing smart aerodynamic design in the construction of micro windmills opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in materials science and renewable energy industries.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Energy - The development of micro windmill-powered chargers offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the sustainable energy industry, promoting renewable power solutions.
2. Consumer Electronics - Integrating micro windmills to recharge smartphone batteries presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the consumer electronics industry, enhancing sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional chargers.
3. Renewable Energy - Applying micro windmill technology in harnessing wind energy paves the way for disruptive innovation in the renewable energy industry, offering compact and eco-friendly power solutions.