What other cool ways are there to charge besides urine?

Recently, US media reported that the University of Washington has successfully used a WiFi router as a wireless charging device. It can fully charge devices such as digital cameras within a range of 10 meters without disrupting data transmission, and it is expected that this technology will be used in smartphones in the future.

Vamsi Talla, a researcher on the project, said the charging sensor installed on the hardware device is designed to receive electrical energy from radio frequency (RF) signals and convert them into direct current for charging.

At present, this seemingly cool technology is still in the research stage and has not yet been put into use. However, another convenient charging method has become popular, which is wireless charging.

As early as 2013, Nokia and other mobile phone brands launched their own wireless charging mobile phones, such as Lumia 920 and Nexus 4. Recently, more and more mobile phone manufacturers have begun to promote wireless charging. Samsung's latest Galaxy S6 focuses on promoting its wireless charging function, and HTC's next-generation flagship is also rumored to adopt wireless charging technology.

Take the Samsung Galaxy S6 as an example. Just connect the USB cable and plug it into the socket. When the phone is out of power or about to run out of power, put the phone on the charger plate, and the charger and phone will instantly achieve inductive connection and charge.

Wireless charging is a charging method that currently seems to have a trend of large-scale application. In addition, many researchers have made more daring attempts.

Infrared light charging

Different from wireless charging, Israeli startup Wi-Charge developed an infrared light charging system earlier this year.

Infrared light charging uses a laser diode in the transmitter to emit infrared light, which is then converted into electrical energy by a photovoltaic cell in the receiver. The transmitter of the Wi-Charge charging system is installed on the ceiling. After converting energy into infrared light, it can cover an area of ​​about 50 square meters below, and can charge all devices within the range at the same time.

Flower Pot Charging

The latest biological charger developed by Chilean engineers, "E-Kaia", can turn plants into small "charging stations". Just insert it into the soil of the plant, and the USB power transmission port of the flowerpot can charge mobile phones and other devices.

During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce organic matter. Microorganisms around the plant roots and stems decompose these organic matter and generate energy to promote plant growth. At this time, some electric current is released as a byproduct. The biocharger uses electrodes to capture electrons and then transmits them to electrical devices in the form of electric current.

Insole charging

Last year, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University developed a "power-generating insole" that can use the energy generated by people walking to charge mobile phones. The power-generating insole is connected to a battery pack outside the shoe, converts the kinetic energy generated by walking through a built-in mechanical device, and drives a micro-generator to generate electricity. This insole also contains a USB port that can charge a variety of electronic devices.

Skateboard Charging

Last year, a skateboard designed by a college student in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, that can charge mobile phones attracted attention. The generator on the skateboard wheels can generate 6 volts of current when it rotates, and the current is converted into 5 volts and enters the box device of the skateboard. The power generated by the skateboard running for 1 hour can fully charge a mobile phone, and the more it moves, the more power the charging skateboard stores, and it can charge the mobile phone up to 8 times.

Urine charging

Perhaps even more bizarre than the above charging methods is charging with urine. In 2013, British scientists discovered a way to charge with urine. Urine is rich in nitrogen, urea, chlorine, potassium and bilirubin, and its chemical properties are very active. It is an excellent microbial fuel cell. The electricity generated by microbial decomposition is enough to fully charge a mobile phone.

Currently, the University of the West of England in the UK and the international charity Oxfam have set up "urine-powered" toilets near the bar of the University of the West of England Student Union. Oxfam also said that in the future such toilets will be of great use in refugee camps without electricity supply.

These various charging methods are not only expected to free people from a pile of charging cables, but also to maximize the use of energy, making it possible to charge anytime and anywhere.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.