These days it seems scientists are finding ways to produce energy out of just about anything, from sunlight and wind to waves and cow manure. Generating electricity from falling snow can now be added to that list after scientists at UCLA developed a small device that does just that. Apparently, snow is positively charged and gives up electrons. Silicone, on the other hand, is negatively charged. When falling snow contacts the silicone surface of the device, it produces a charge that the device captures, creating electricity. Considering that 30 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by snow each winter, during which time solar panels often fail to operate, this new device could be integrated into solar panels to provide a continuous power supply when it snows. The inexpensive device could also be used to power other things such as remote weather stations or wearables that track an athlete’s performance.
Scientists come up with device that generates electricity from snowfall
More of Today's Solutions
Stronger concrete, cleaner landfills—how scrap carpet fibers are reinventing ...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization, but its notorious tendency to crack isn’t just a construction headache—it’s ...
Read MoreInvestigating when our bodies change the fastest and why it matters
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Aging might seem like a slow, steady march, but science suggests otherwise. If you’ve ever looked in the ...
Read More16-year-old codes speech app to help his nonverbal sister communicate
Families of individuals who have conditions that make it difficult or impossible for them to communicate verbally can attest to the fact that going ...
Read MoreHow aspirin and crop resilience go hand in hand
Did you know that plants have been making aspirin for millions of years? And humans have been using it as far back as Neanderthal ...
Read More
