Jul
The Energy Collection: Glassware that produces electricity
What if everyday household objects could be used to harness electricity? That’s the idea behind Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel’s Energy Collection where everyday objects are designed to absorb energy from sunlight.
The science behind this approach mirrors that seen in plants, where photosynthesis is the key to collecting and harnessing energy. In this case, the glassware is coated with a titanium dioxide layer soaked with photosensitive dye extracted from the juice of blueberries or spinach.
According to van Aubel on her website,
One side of the glass is positive, the other negative and when the cell is exposed to light, the dye transmits its electrons to the titanium dioxide and releases an electronic current.
In addition, when not in use the glasses can be placed on a special magnetic shelf that can store the energy for later use - such as the charging of an iPhone as shown above.
Following the recent climate change reports, I’m ready to have my whole house basking in the sunlight of alternative energy.
(via Co.DESIGN)
May
Get Some Sunshine
I think we are all aware that sunshine is good for us and our health and we could all use a little more. But did you know that the right amount of sunshine can have wide-ranging positive effects on your mood, immunity, gene regulation, and the onset of disease? Check out this nice infographic to shed some light (yep) on how a little sunshine can do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
About Me
Hi there, I'm Jim: PhD student in the biological sciences, enthusiast, friendly neighbour, Australian.
