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Good Vibrations

Researchers have discovered that a tiny, 10-centimeter windmill can generate enough power to keep an electronic sensor going indefinitely, allowing scientists to monitor seismic activity on mountains in remote locations.

The tiny little prototype, which cost less than $20 to make, was discovered by University of Texas Assistant Professor Shashank Priya. He believes the concept – harnessing tiny vibrations to generate electricity – can also be used to create devices that power insulin pumps using the vibrations of the human heart, or portable CD players powered by the vibrations made by walking, running or riding a bicycle.

The teeny windmills are also being used to power Wi-Fi in remote areas. The windmill is attached to a rotating cam that flexes piezoelectric crystals as it rotates. The piezoelectric materials are what generate the current. They are the same materials used to create a spark in gas lighters.

Such devices would replace batteries, which are environmentally difficult to dispose of because they can leach dangerous materials into landfills and ultimately end up contaminating groundwater.

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To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org