An inexpensive device developed by Waterloo Engineering researchers can generate enough electricity to power a calculator using only walnut shells and drops of water.
“This technology could be a game-changer for powering small electronic devices, especially in remote or off-grid areas,” said Nazmul Hossain, a PhD student in mechanical and mechatronics engineering. “Imagine environmental sensors monitoring forests, IoT and wearable health devices, disaster-relief equipment – all running on tiny water droplets from the air.”
Known as a water-induced electric generator (WEG), the coin-sized device produces electrical energy as water evaporates from a complex network of pores that make up the structure of walnut shells.
As the water moves, it transports electrically charged ions, which interact with the surface of the shells to create a charge imbalance that generates electricity.
“It all happens with nothing more than a single droplet of water and the shell’s natural architecture, no crushing, soaking or complex processing needed,” Hossain said. “It’s a simple, yet powerful example of turning waste into clean energy using nature’s own power.”
Hossain was supervised on the project by Dr. Norman Zhou, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, and Dr. Aiping Yu, a professor of chemical engineering.
Go to How to generate green energy using nut waste for the full story.