Battery running low on you're mobile phone? Sounds like it's time for a walk. That's the reality of the nPower PEG, a personal energy generator that, like battery-less flashlights which require shaking to produce energy, puts Michael Faraday's (1791– 1867) Principle of Electromagnetic Induction to work to create a totally renewable energy source for charging your handheld electronic devices.
Launched at the 2009 CES this week, the 9" long, 9 ounce device from Tremont Electric works when you are in motion - just plug in your mobile device, place the nPower PEG vertically in your bag or on your hip and go for a walk or run. The kinetic energy from this movement is harvested to deliver charge at the same rate as a wall charger. This translates to an 80% for most devices in an hour of walking according to the company.
Interchangeable adapters are available for charging over 90% of handheld electronic devices - media players, phones, digital cameras and GPS units. There's also plans for a range of arm bands and belt clips to hold the charger while you're on the move.
Could it be smaller? Technically yes, but because the weight of the device is relative to the amount of power produced Tremont has aimed to strike a balance between portability and power output (which is up to 4 Watts) in designing the nPower PEG. Of course it could also be bigger - and produce more power - and this scalability opens up plenty of avenues for different types of products incorporating the technology.
It's clearly a very useful tool when you're off the beaten track and has great potential in countries where mobile devices are becoming more prevalent but a reliable supply of mains power is still a big problem. It's a completely recyclable product and even if you're at home you can reduce your carbon footprint and get some exercise at the same time. Great idea!
The nPower PEG will soon be available for pre-order at a cost of USD$149.
- In brief:
- Size: 9” tall, Top & Bottom Cylinders: 1” diameter, Center Cylinder: 1.5” diameter
- Weight: 9 oz.
- Finish: Anodized
- Color: Green
- Power Generation: Up to 4 Watts
- Power Output: 5.0V DC @ 200 mAmps