[wordup] Vibration-powered Generators Replace AA, AAA Batteries

[Adam Shand]

Wow, that's super cool!  Will believe it when I can buy one though,
until then vapourware!

Adam.

Via: David Nicol <davidnicol at gmail...>
Source: http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20100716/184262/

Vibration-powered Generators Replace AA, AAA Batteries
Jul 16, 2010 15:09
Hideyoshi Kume, Nikkei Electronics

The AA-size prototype whose generator and rechargeable battery
(electric double layer capacitor) are installed in one case. The
voltage of the capacitor is 1.6V or lower.


The AA-size prototype whose generator and rechargeable battery are
installed in two different cases. The voltage of the capacitor is 3.2V
or lower.


The AAA-size prototype whose generator and rechargeable battery are
installed in two different cases. The voltage of the capacitor is 2.7V
or lower.

Brother Industries Ltd developed small vibration-powered generators
that can replace AA and AAA batteries.

For example, when the generator, which the company calls
"Vibration-powered Generating Battery," is set inside a remote
control, it is possible to use the remote by shaking it to generate
power.

"The new generator will semipermanently eliminate the need to replace
batteries and contribute to reducing the amount of wastes," Brother
Industries said.

Brother Industries ensured the versatility of the generator by
employing the shapes of commonly-used batteries. When used with a low
power consumption device such as a remote, the generator can replace a
battery, the company said.

Specifically, the generator can be used for a device that does not
always consume electricity and has a power consumption of about 100mW,
the company said. For example, the power consumption of a normal
remote is 40 to 100mW.

This time, Brother Industries prototyped the generator in AA and AAA
sizes. Inside a battery-shaped case, there are an electromagnetic
induction generator and an electric double layer capacitor with a
capacitance of about 500mF. The average output of the AA-size
generator is 10 to 180mW (frequency: 4-8Hz).

Brother Industries will exhibit the Vibration-powered Generating
Battery for the first time at Techno-frontier 2010, an exhibition that
will run from July 21 to 23, 2010, in Tokyo. The company plans to
demonstrate a TV remote control, a remote for lighting equipment and
an LED flashlight using the battery.