N. Satyanarayana, a graduate student in India, has figured out a way to miniaturize a windmill so it can be used to charge a cellphone battery. It is a simple fan blade that is attached to a generator, also it's waterproof so it can even be used in the rain. Imagine clipping one of these babies outside the window as you take the train into work, charging up your cellphone and other electronic devices you might have on hand. Its small blade cranks out a DC flow of one ampere with a potential difference of 12 volts, in other words, enough juice to power portable electronic stuff. It beats solar, as long as the wind s blowing.

Micro windmill for generating energy [Nifindia.org via New Launches]

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