Energy Scavenging is a type of power captured from sources like vibrations, everyday movement of the human body, waste heat, wind, or anything labeled alternative energy. In the case of researcher Dr. Sang-Woo Kim, sound will be scavenged to power mobile devices or greater. "Sound power can be used for various novel applications including cellular phones that can be charged during conversations and sound-insulating walls near highways that generate electricity from the sound of passing vehicles." (See )
When I first learned about Dr. Sang-Woo Kim efforts, it was just an idea. Now, it is real.
Energy comes from the compression/releasing of a zinc-oxide layer between two electrodes. A sound absorbing pad on top of these layers is what transmits the vibrations. The research team led by Dr, Sang-Woo Kim at the Institute of nanotechnology at the Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, demonstrated turning 100 decibels into 50 millivolts. Tweaking the zinc-oxide layer will allow for energy to be produced at lower sound levels. "Our current output performance can be applied to various electronic devices with low-power consumption such as self-powered sensors and body-implantable tiny devices. We believe that we can realise more efficient sound-driven nanogenerators."
Unfortunately, I avoid talking on the phone as much as possible. So, I hope the ambient sound will power my future devices.
Eavesdropper
