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.
