Developing 'artificial plants' turns vibrations in the environment into electricity

Scientists want to create an "artificial tree" from mechanical and electromagnetic devices that can absorb kinetic energy from external vibrations such as wind, waves, footsteps . and transfer turns into electric energy. If successful, this will be an extremely unique and convenient technology, providing clean renewable energy for people in the future.

The idea here is to create a device that can absorb random forces in the environment, from the footsteps of people, a strong wind, . and convert into electricity, which supplies devices. necessary. Recently, scientists found a green tree-like structure made of electromechanical materials that could make this idea a reality.

Ryan Harne, who led the study at Ohio State University, said: "The buildings can also swing slightly in the wind, the bridges also waver when there are cars running on it and the suspension system on. "Cars also get force from the road. In fact, a large amount of momentum generated from these movements is lost. We want to collect and reuse this energy."

Then there will be forests of artificial trees.

To do this, the team first used the mathematical model to find a way to create a stable power source from both random and random fluctuations. Finally, they found that a technique called intrinsic resonance could be used to "squeeze" artificial plants using mechanical devices and high-intensity vibrating magnetic fields at a stable frequency.

To test this hypothesis, they built a green plant-like device from two small iron bars (simulating the trunk and branches). Then, give it a vibration so light that it cannot be seen but the end result, this device can completely produce electricity. This suggests that their original hypothesis was correct, that the device could produce stable current from external vibrations.

Even when adding other jamming oscillations, the device can still produce a strong and stable voltage. In the near future, they continue to develop the first prototype to verify the feasibility of a sustainable, long-term renewable energy source. Specifically, they will apply this technology on bridges, buildings, . to provide energy for monitoring sensors. In the image of the research team, they believe that there will be artificial forest trees, take the wind and convert it into electricity to provide for people instead of using huge and bulky wind turbines today.