Prof. Hao Wu from the South China University of Technology led a team of researchers who ingeniously repurposed the iconic children’s toy, the “drinking bird,” into a functional electricity generator suitable for powering small electronic devices.
The original toy functions based on the principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics: as the bird’s head dips into water, the process of evaporative cooling induces a shift in the liquid inside, facilitating continuous motion.
In an effort to improve the toy’s capabilities, the researchers incorporated two disc-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator modules onto its sides. These modules utilize the triboelectric effect, wherein materials acquire electric charges due to friction, to produce electricity. This innovative method culminated in the creation of the “drinking-bird triboelectric hydrovoltaic generator” (DB-THG), capable of generating practical amounts of electricity.
This transformation opens up potential applications for the DB-THG in various settings, offering a sustainable power solution for small electronic devices.
In laboratory tests conducted at room temperature and controlled humidity levels, the DB-THG demonstrated impressive performance. It operated continuously for 50 hours using only 100 mL of water, producing voltages of up to 100 volts. This voltage output was adequate to power various electronic devices such as calculators, temperature sensors, and even 20 interconnected LCD screens.
The potential of this novel generator lies in its ability to harness ambient conditions and utilize water as a readily available fuel source, making it a sustainable and accessible power solution. The researchers are now focused on developing an optimized successor to the DB-THG, aiming to enhance its performance and efficiency further.
Prof. Wu expressed his excitement and surprise at the successful outcomes of the research, emphasizing the unique capabilities of the DB-THG in powering electronics. The findings of this innovative project were published in the journal Device, showcasing the scientific ingenuity behind the conversion of a simple toy into a practical electricity-generating device.
Overall, the transformation of the drinking bird toy into a functional electricity generator represents a remarkable feat of scientific innovation, offering promising prospects for powering small electronic devices in diverse settings.