Friday, November 18, 2011

Update! Solar and Wind Powered Mobile Device Charger

Green Gadget: Solar and Wind Powered Mobile Device Charger

The K3 Wind and Solar Charger from Kinesis Industries of Scottsdale, Ariz. is a rechargeable Lithium-ion 3.7-volt cell that can collect and store power created by wind, solar or AC power sources. The device is priced just under $100, but certain adapters cost extra, including the one for iPhone and certain iPods, which costs $14.99.

According to Kinesis, one hour in the sun or wind will create enough power to give your mobile phone about 30 minutes of talk time or your MP3 player more than 300 minutes of run time. When fully charged, a K3 can charge a mobile phone about five times and an MP3 device more than 10 times, according to the company.
K3 is weatherproof, and it comes with multiple adapters so that you can charge a number of different types of electronics gadges. You can store the tips you’re not using in a compartment within the device. Read the full article at ZDNet.

Power Your iPhone With iFan Wind Energy!

If your iPhone runs out of battery quite often when you are nowhere near a power source then you may find the iFan helpful. The little fan-like device is attached to the iPhone to power it with wind energy. The fan looks like a conventional PC fan, with the difference that it does not need electric power to rotate, that’s taken care of by the wind! This obviously works best if there is wind around at the time.

It took about six hours to charge the iPhone fully which means that the iPhone can be used indefinitely for as long as there is wind around. Think of the possibilities. Maybe you are in the mountains, or at the beach. Situations with no power plug in sight. The iFan can supply you with enough energy to power the work with the iPhone all day long.
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11 comments:

  1. Windy21November 19, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    It looks super cool, but there has to be very high winds in order for the "Ifan" to run. would not mind having one though, even If I have to go to a mountain to get it charged. lol

    Posted by claudia Y.

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  2. Windy21November 19, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Wouldn't that be better (and sexier) named the iTurbine(tm)? A fan blows air using energy; a turbine makes energy from air blown through it. Thus, an "iFan" would suggest a little personal fan powered by the phone (to really draw that battery down fast).

    Clever gizmo, though. That plus a little solar charger and you're good to go sans mains power. Next, to go with it: the iAnemometer(tm) app.

    Posted by Walter

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  3. Windy21November 20, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Do you show it working?

    Posted by Mike

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  4. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    Good idea, but I don't think it would be helpful when the iphone runs out of battery when the user is taking a car,tax,bus.train. unless he is walking. meanwhile,you must need a very efficient fast charger to make it worthy a try.

    Posted by Jack

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  5. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    If there is any video available for this. ?

    Posted by Achal

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  6. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    How can we purchase this unit? t.badura@att.net, I am interested in carrying this item on my retail website.

    Posted by Thomas

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  7. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    Instructables has plans for making gadgets like this. I think they are in the Technology section and most are pretty easy to construct.

    Posted by Bob

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  8. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    This is just somebody's half-baked concept. See http://www.envirogadget.com/odd-gadgets/ifan-wind-powered-charger-case-for-iphones-concept/

    I doubt you'll be buying one any time soon. Who is going to stand out in a strong wind for 6 hours waiting for it to charge (accepting for the moment that it could produce enough juice to complete charging in six hours)? Have you tried holding your arm extended upward for even 5 minutes? (A hand-cranked generator would be a better, more reliable option.) Who is going to leave their phone standing outside for six hours on its own? (Speaking of which there doesn't seem to be a stand for the thing. Add a four foot pole to get up where there is some breeze and a nice stable base and you've pretty much killed the concept of a mobile phone. Not to mention, you need to keep the thing pointed into the wind. Clipping it to a large heavy object is not likely to work well, as there is going to be a lot of turbulence and, as the wind shifts, the fan will be in the lee of the anchoring object for a good part of the time.) Seems like a bike bracket is in the works, but wouldn't it be simpler and more efficient to just run it off a generator driven by the bike's wheel? (You could charge it a lot faster that way too). Sticking it out the car window would really get those blades spinning, but plugging it into the accessory socket is a way better option.

    Posted by Erik

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  9. Windy21November 23, 2011 at 4:58 AM

    I dont think this unit would survive in the market today!

    Posted by William

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  10. Windy21November 24, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    The comments on this product are classic. If you want a good laugh read through them!

    Posted by Todd

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  11. Windy21December 6, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Keni, can you please send me the white paper and more information on this device I am looking for Solar and Wind powered devices upto 500watt ie chargers or energy storing devices for the Southern parts of the world who is in rural areas
    vincent.j.viljoen@gmail.com

    Posted by John

    ReplyDelete

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