These Pee-Powered Socks Can Convert Urine Into Electricity
Rahul Kalvapalle — December 11, 2015 — Tech
References: iopscience.iop.org & engadget
A group of researchers working out of the University of the West of England in Bristol have designed special socks that are capable of harnessing your bodily fluids and using it to generate electricity.
The socks are fitted with a number of silicon tubes that line the heel and are connected to a group of microbial fuel cells that are embedded by the ankle. When you walk around, urine is pumped from a special bladder through the tube and into the fuel cells, where bacteria convert the liquid materials into an electrical charge.
These socks are not yet ready for consumers but, as weird as they sound, they offer promise in a wide variety of applications. They could be used in military applications in the field of battle, or could be used by hardcore hikers liable to find themselves stranded in emergency situations.
The socks are fitted with a number of silicon tubes that line the heel and are connected to a group of microbial fuel cells that are embedded by the ankle. When you walk around, urine is pumped from a special bladder through the tube and into the fuel cells, where bacteria convert the liquid materials into an electrical charge.
These socks are not yet ready for consumers but, as weird as they sound, they offer promise in a wide variety of applications. They could be used in military applications in the field of battle, or could be used by hardcore hikers liable to find themselves stranded in emergency situations.
Trend Themes
1. Microbial Fuel Cell Technology - Opportunity for developing innovative energy solutions using microbial fuel cell technology, such as converting bodily fluids into electricity.
2. Wearable Energy Harvesting - Disruptive potential for creating wearable devices that can generate electricity from human body fluids, opening up possibilities for self-powered wearable technology.
3. Sustainable Power Generation - Emerging trend of sustainable power generation through unconventional sources like urine, presenting an opportunity for developing eco-friendly energy solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Military - Potential for adopting pee-powered socks in military operations as an alternative power source for soldiers in the field.
2. Outdoor Gear - Opportunity for outdoor gear manufacturers to integrate urine-powered technology into their products, catering to hikers and adventurers in emergency situations.
3. Renewable Energy - Potential application of urine-powered socks in the renewable energy industry, contributing to the diversification of sustainable power generation sources.
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