We have seen many different ways to charge your smartphone, and now UK mobile operator Orange has announced a new device that they will be testing out at this year’s Glastonbury.
The Orange Sound Charge T-Shirt is designed to recharge your smartphone using sound waves, and it has been developed in conjunction with renewable energy company GotWind.
The Sound Charge T-Shirt features Piezoelectric film, which is normally found in HiFi speakers. On the front of the T-shirt, there is an A4 panel made from the Piezoelectric film, and it is designed to act like a large microphone and absorb sound pressure waves. Have a look at the video below which explains how it works.
How the Technology Works
The Piezoelectric film embedded in the T-shirt is a fascinating piece of technology. Piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. In this case, the sound waves create pressure on the film, which then converts this pressure into electrical energy. This energy can then be used to charge a smartphone or other small electronic devices. The concept is similar to how some watches are powered by the movement of the wearer’s wrist.
The A4-sized panel on the T-shirt is strategically placed to capture as much sound as possible. Given that Glastonbury is one of the world’s largest music festivals, the environment is perfect for testing such a device. The constant barrage of sound waves from live performances and the crowd’s noise provides an ideal setting for the Sound Charge T-Shirt to demonstrate its capabilities.
Potential and Future Applications
Orange will be testing out the Sound Charge T-Shirt at this year’s Glastonbury, and it is in the early prototype stages at the moment. While it may be a while before you will be able to get your hands on one, the potential applications for this technology are vast. Imagine a world where your clothing could charge your devices simply by being in a noisy environment. This could be particularly useful in urban settings where noise pollution is high.
Moreover, this technology could be integrated into other wearable items such as jackets, hats, or even backpacks. It could also be beneficial in developing countries where access to electricity is limited but where there is no shortage of ambient noise. The Sound Charge T-Shirt could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to power small electronic devices.
The collaboration between Orange and GotWind highlights the growing interest in renewable energy solutions and their practical applications in everyday life. As we continue to explore alternative energy sources, innovations like the Sound Charge T-Shirt pave the way for a more sustainable future.
You can find out more details over at Orange.
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