The Pee Power: Urine Battery
Written by: Admin
Most of us think that urine is a total waste where you just pee and flush the toilet. However, that is not the case. Urine has many ions or electrically charged atoms (I know it sounds scary) that can produce electricity through appropriate chemical reactions.
Scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore saw the use of these ions in the urine. They created the credit card-size biodegradable battery that is powered by urine. The goal was to meet the demand of creating cheap, disposable, and renewable power source for medical test kits.
Ki Bang Lee (Source: msnbc)
So, you are probably curious how this battery was created. Ki Bang Lee who was in charge of the project explained that they sandwiched a piece of paper between strips of magnesium and copper after soaking the paper in a solution of copper chloride. They laminated the sandwich between two sheets of transparent plastic. A drop of urine is then added through a slit of plastic, creating a chemical reaction which generated electricity.
The prototype battery generated 1.5 volt power equivalent to a standard AA battery and ran for about 90 minutes. Scientists were optimistic that making some adjustments, the power, voltage and lifetime can be greatly improved.
The technology has been since adapted and improved. A Japanese company introduced urine powered battery called NoPoPo (Non-Pollution Power) Aqua batteries into the market. Simply, inject urine into the battery chamber using the included plastic pipette. This battery can also use other liquids such as beer, tears, apple juice, cola, and saliva.
Source: Methodshop
NoPoPo Battery (Source: technabob)
Although the initial goal was to use these disposable batteries in medical tests, they can be also used in other low power consumption electric devices. In near future, you may see your laptops, MP3 players, and cell phones are powered by urine. So, next time when you flush the toilet, appreciate the value of your pee.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I don’t feel bad about going to the bathroom frequently anymore. I always have plenty of supply. So, if anyone runs out of pee, feel free to let me know
December 6th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by iecycle: Blogged The Pee Power: Urine Battery: http://tinyurl.com/ygmlxgg…
December 18th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would love to mention that this post extremely forced me to try and do therefore! really nice post. thanks, here’s a similar subject you’ll like Aquired Pulmonary Hypertensioneatment
December 29th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Hello!!! http://www.iecycle.org is one of the most excellent innovative websites of its kind. I take advantage of reading it every day. Keep it that way.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I cannot believe this will work!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Hey, ok, I get it, I guess – but does this really work?
January 21st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I am very grateful that I have discovered your posts, thanks for all the great info.
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
The author of http://www.iecycle.org has written an excellent article. You have made your point and there is not much to argue about. It is like the following universal truth that you can not argue with: its always the small shit that gets you in the end Thanks for the info.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
If you can dream it, you can do it.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:55 am
The noblest search is the search for excellence.
September 21st, 2010 at 2:51 am
Todo dinбmica y muy positiva!
Gracias
Bottomless