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Energy From Raindrops

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the don't-stop-the-rain dept.

conlaw writes to share that according to Discovery.com scientists have found a way to extract energy from rain. A new technique could utilize piezoelectric principles of a special kind of plastic to generate power from falling water in rainstorms or even commercial air conditioners. "The method relies on a plastic called PVDF (for polyvinylidene difluoride), which is used in a range of products from pipes, films, and wire insulators to high-end paints for metal. PVDF has the unusual property of piezoelectricity, which means it can produce a charge when it's mechanically deformed."

3 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. Lincolnshire could the power house of the world... by Finallyjoined!!! · · Score: 4, Funny

    The amount of rain we get here. :-)

    --
    If I had an Ass, I'd call it Fanny Bottom, then I could slap my Ass; Fanny Bottom, on the Arse.
  2. Our Worries Are Over by hyades1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they put this stuff on the floor around the urinals at my local bar, we could meet Canada's energy needs for the next hundred years.

    --
    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
  3. If at first you don't succeed... by p4ul13 · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...this breakthrough comes after failed attempts to generate power from roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.

    These are a few of those researchers favorite things.

    --
    Paul Lenhart writes words!