Don’t you just hate it when you’re almost there and the batteries run out? There’s nothing more infuriating or as likely to kill the buzz you have going. (I of course am referring to when you finally getting to the end of ‘Through the Fire and the Flames’ on Guitar Hero 3 on expert, not anything dodgy).
Although the lithium battery has made phones, cameras and music players last a lot longer, a lot of things still require us to spend a small fortune on batteries. And great as rechargeable batteries are, you’re not always guaranteed to have a charger around and usable- sods law the battery in your torch will have gone dead before the power cut.
Which is why Mintpass have created the Shakenergy. It’s a standard 1.5v AA battery with a magnetic core. When shaken vigerously, this moves inside a metal coiled bobbin to recharge the nickle metel hydrate battery. Ooh that was technical. Basically the technique everyone uses to get a little extra juice out of the TV remote- remove, rub, shake, replace. Except you know, scientifically accurate.
If it is possible to get a decent amount of battery power this way, then the ecological implications alone are worth a little wrist strain. Less rubbish from old dead batteries, less electricity being used to recharge rechargeable batteries via the mains. As a concept it’s a really good idea. However, as Envirogadget point out, the small coil probably means you’ll get very little return for your flailing around. The Shakenergy is probably more of an emergency boost rather than something that you can power anything big with. But for the afore mentioned torch scenario it could be useful. And who knows what developments the future could bring?
No mention about if this is a concept or an actuality (although I assume the former) but it’s still a pretty cool idea.
Source: Mintpass via Envirogadget