Kazakh schoolchildren develop method to generate electricity from rain

Kazakh schoolchildren have learned how to generate electricity from rain. Young scientists from Shymkent have developed a droplet‐based generator. Before assembling it, they studied world experience in creating alternative energy sources. Their innovation allows for generating current from the friction of falling raindrops on a surface treated with a special coating. Precise calculations of the distance and the area of water interaction with the material are essential. The young developers also discovered that it is possible to produce electricity from the air under high humidity conditions, even at regular room temperature. This invention has already gained recognition at an international competition in Almaty.

«This generator is very easy to use. It only requires two materials: a semiconductor and an electrode. That’s all it takes to generate energy. The ecosystem will not be harmed,» shared student Moldir Smail.

The school students are currently working on improving the technology. In the future, this innovation could be applied near rivers and lakes. At present, it operates at low power output, but it will be 10 times cheaper than solar panels. This could potentially become an alternative to solar panels.

«Once, the ability to transmit electromagnetic waves found its present-day application in the form of mobile phones and other technologies. So, we consider this to be the beginning. It is quite possible that we are now making history, and the project we have undertaken will bring global changes in the future,» noted Physics teacher Yury Gryaznov.