Measuring in at only 1.8 mm at its widest point, the key to possibly endless energy is a micro-scale windmill so small a single grain of rice could support ten of the tiny devices. Created by research associate Smitha Rao and professor J.-C. Chiao, the Lilliputian windmill was designed by blending origami folding with conventional semi-conductor layout technique. By uniting the two processes, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) team was able to create complex, self-assembling, 3-dimensional mechanical structures from 2-dimensional metal plates.
Constructed using a nickel-alloy, Rao and Chiao’s windmill has eschewed the main problem facing MEMS machines—their fragility. After successful structural tests of their micro-windmills last September, the UTA team is confident that their choice of material will make their devices strong enough to handle any industry use.
Aside from recharging our cellphones and tablets, Chiao also sees a future where MEMS windmills could be embedded into flat panels that line the exterior of houses, generating power for interior lighting or security systems.
Given that Roa and Chaio’s windmills are already piquing the interest of industry, it might not be long before we see similar devices showing up in our electronics. For with these new systems in place, prematurely ended calls and the constant search for an outlet might be a thing of the past for good.
Images and Video Courtesy of UT Arlington