The Powerstation for Your Laptop

Sunday, Dec. 5 2004 | Author: DarkBlue

“New microengines could provide 10 times longer life than batteries for cell phones, laptops…”

It seems that those clever people over at Georgia Tech have been wondering how to get their laptops, cellular phones and iPods to run a little bit longer.

They have developed a microgenerator about 10mm wide (about the size of a fingernail) which, when coupled with a similarly sized gas-fueled microturbine, has the potential to deliver more energy and last around 10 times longer than a conventional battery.

The device’s magnet spins at 100,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), much faster than the comparatively sluggish 3,000 rpm of an average car engine. Speed like that is capable of producing 1.1 watts of power, or enough juice to run a cell phone.

If the project reaches its projected goal, it will eventually produce as much as 20 to 50 watts, capable of powering a laptop.

The research is part of a larger project funded by the Army Research Laboratory to create lighter portable power sources to replace the heavy batteries that currently power a soldier’s equipment, such as laptops, radios, and GPS systems. Researchers at the University of Maryland and Clark Atlanta University also collaborate on the project.

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3 Responses for "The Powerstation for Your Laptop"

Norgus

December 5th, 2004 at 5:28 pm
1

So basically so far the magnet and coil bit is at a simple working stage but the jet to turn the thing is still to be made?

Certaily interesting, I wouldnt mind a new battery tech to offer better life (as long as there are no large down sides to being jet powered).

Heck maybe Sony are going to use it as a future battery pack for the PSP to abolish those short battery life problems. :P
Jason Marble

December 5th, 2004 at 5:49 pm
2

Does this mean we’re gonna have to fill’er up?

I’m sure eventually we’ll see consumer applications, but, I’d imagine this is strictly geared towards the interest of military operations.
JC

December 6th, 2004 at 9:40 am
3

hmm. and the hot exhaust would come out where? Could it at least run on alcohol instead of petroleum? I don’t keep bottles of petrol stashed all over my apartment like I do… err, nevermind, I can quit any time I want to. ;-)