New research has found a way of turning sound into electricity, which could allow consumers to charge their phones as they use them Published on May 9, 2011
A new technique developed by electrical engineers in South Korea can turn sound waves into electricity.
The new technology, which would be perfectly suited for voice-based devices like mobiles and smartphones, could allow a user can top up the battery of their phone using the power of speech, or at the least, prolong the time between charges.
It is not just mobile that would benefit. Background noise could keep any gadget you have on your person going for longer, saving on electricity consumption. It could also allow cars the ability to become less noisy and more energy efficient.
Dr Sang-Woo Kim of the Institute of Nanotechnology at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, told the Telegraph, "A number of approaches for scavenging energy from environments have been intensively explored.
"The sound that always exists in our everyday life and environments has been overlooked as a source. This motivated us to realise power generation by turning sound energy from speech, music or noise into electrical power.
"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.
"The latter development would have the additional benefit of reducing noise levels near highways by absorbing the sound energy of vehicles."
At this time, sound of 100 decibels (the equivalent of a pneumatic drill or a passing subway train) generates 50 millivolts of electricity - not enough to charge the average mobile phone but Dr Kim believes different materials may yield a better ratio of sound to electricity:
"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."
How does it work? Tiny strands of zinc oxide nestled between two electrodes compress and release when sound waves cause the sound absorbing pad on top to vibrate. This movement is enough to create an electrical current a battery can use to charge.
It is not just South Korea who is working towards finding interesting ways of harnessing energy. Nokia filed a patent for a movement-powered device back in March of 2010.
TagsCharging | Charger | Sound to electricity | Smartphone | DR Sang-Woo Kim | Green | Energy efficient
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Although potentially energy efficient, shouting on your mobile is still annoying 
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