This engineer has finally created a real burning lightsaber
We do see a lot of replicas around, but lightsabers still remain a very iconic weapon without any functionality when recreated. And this is due to very basic physics: light can’t interact with matter that way, light beams cannot be interrupted without having its course cut off – which means we can’t recreate in real life we see in those awesome fights in Star Wars.
But Pan did a pretty good job in making a functional lightsaber with a flame blade. Even if is not EXACTLY like the real deal, at least it’s the coolest cigarette lighter I’ve ever seen. He uses a nichrome ignition system to shoot a beam of fire from the saber, fueled by a highly flammable methanol-acetone fuel mixture, and butane propellant. The saber also counts with some cool sound effects to add a bit more drama to the weapon. From the video you can see he handles the saber with extreme care, but then again, who wouldn’t when holding a meter-tall column of fire in their hands?
Scientists in Sweden have developed what they call "power paper" – a thin, paper-like material with a remarkable capacity to store energy.
Just one sheet of the material measuring 15 centimetres in diameter and less than 0.5 millimetre thick can store 1 farad of electrical capacitance, which is about the same as many supercapacitors used in electric devices today.
The material, which is made from nanocellulose and a conductive polymer, can be used then recharged, lasting for hundreds of charge cycles. And best of all, it only takes a few seconds to power up again.
"Thin films that function as capacitors have existed for some time," said Xavier Crispin, a researcher from Linköping University's Laboratory of Organic Electronics. "What we have done is to produce the material in three dimensions. We can produce thick sheets."
The researchers' material looks like black paper, but to the touch, has a more plasticky feel. Nonetheless, it exhibits other paper-like qualities too, such as strength, as demonstrated by its ability to be folded into origami shapes (the researchers apparently amused themselves by making an origami swan!).
The team created the sheets by breaking down cellulose fibres using high-pressure water. These fibres measure just 20 nanometres in diameter, and are added to a water solution containing an electrically charged polymer. The polymer then forms a thin coating over the fibres.
"The covered fibres are in tangles, where the liquid in the spaces between them functions as an electrolyte," said one of the team, Jesper Edberg. The full process is described in Advanced Science.
The material, which the researchers claim sets new records for simultaneous conductivity for ions and electrons, could have a significant impact on how we store charge in small devices, and with further research might even be able to serve higher-capacity power needs.
Unlike the batteries and capacitors we currently use – which use large amounts of metal and often contain toxic chemicals – the power paper is made from simple materials: renewable cellulose and readily available polymer.
According to the researchers, the paper is light, requires no dangerous chemicals or heavy metals, and is waterproof to boot. The one challenge is developing an industrial process to manufacture it on a large scale.
Like regular pulp paper, the material has to be dehydrated to make the sheeting. If the team can solve this puzzle, possibly with the help of commercial partners, power paper could be something we see a lot more of in the future.
Plant powered by soil nutrients bring electricity to remote areas of Peru
Soil naturally contains energy conducive metals like zinc, copper and iron, and microbial fuel cells (sometimes referred to as an earth batteries) which are capable of converting electrolytes in soil into usable energy. Dutch designer Marieke Strap’s Soil Lamp uses conductive plates made from copper and zinc buried within the soil to provide constant and (nearly) eternal light for an LED bulb. Maintaining a Soil Lamp is as simple as watering a plant – just feed it a splash of water every now and then to keep the energy flowing.
In parts of the world that don’t have steady access to the electricity grid, finding power for essential things like night lighting are an ongoing challenge. While you can burn kerosene in lamps to provide illumination, the unhealthy smoke and fumes make it a far from ideal solution.
Luckily for the inhabitants of Nuevo Saposoa, a remote native community in Peru, they were chosen to be the recipients of experimental ‘plant lamps’ (Plantalámpara in Spanish). The lamps run for 2 hours a day and provide bright LED lighting with low power consumption, which in this case is sourced from nutrients in the plant and soil itself.
“We put the plant and soil into a wooden plant pot together with a previously established and properly protected irrigation system,” said engineer Elmer Ramirez from Peru’s University of Technology and Engineering (UTEC). “Then, inside the pot we place the energy generation system that we created which stores soil and electrodes capable of converting plant nutrients into electric energy.”
In conjunction with advertising agency FCB, the researchers developed 10 trial plant lamps and donated them to Nuevo Saposoa’s residents. The village, situated in rainforest, is located in Ucayali, a region noted for having Peru’s lowest rate of access to electricity.
While the extensive rainforest surroundings are part of what keeps the village separated from the country’s electrical infrastructure, the vast amounts of vegetation and flora in the area would also be the perfect resource to build more of the plant lamps, which run on the free electrons of microorganisms released by the plants during their growth.
“We made proper use of the Amazon region’s own natural resources such as the soil and plants, in harmony with the environment without any impact whatsoever on the forest,” said Ramirez.
In addition to helping people cook food, perform work, and entertain themselves in the evenings when the sun has gone down, the fundamental benefit of Nuevo Saposoa’s plant lamps will be in giving the village’s children extra hours of the day for reading, writing, and school work. Education in Ucayali is not strong, with less than 30 percent of people attending secondary school and almost 15 percent of the population illiterate.
“While there are shortages of a number of resources in Nuevo Saposoa, the absence of electric energy has a major impact on its social, educational and family development”, said Jessica Ruas, a marketing director at UTEC. “We are positive that this will result in a better quality of life for community families because, by using the Plantalámpara, they will have access to renewable energy to provide light to their homes for use by the children during their school work study hours … [and]contribute to the self-sustainability of the population.”
Personal Transportation Devices have become popular nowadays. They are popular with both adults and children alike & since they are emission free, they are environment-friendly as well. Electric unicycles are competing with hoverboards (electric scooters) to reach out to users, and we have covered some of the best unicycles available.
10. 16-inch Self-balance Electric Unicycle by EYU for Kids (299.66$)
Powered by a Samsung battery, this electric unicycle can run for 20km on a single charge. The machine can reach speeds of 16km/h and can handle weights of around 60kg.
9. MonoRover R4(519.99$)
Mono Rover has an extensive collection of personal transporters for kids. This model can reach speeds of almost 20km/h and powered by 500W motor. This Electric UniCycle takes 45min to charge completely.
8. CAMTOA TG-T3 Self Balancing Unicycle (274.99$)
This unicycle takes only 25-minutes to charge 80% of its battery. The product is available in many different colors so that you can pick the one that best matches your taste.
7. Electric Unicycle by Generic(310$)
A unicycle meant to for adults as it can handle payloads more than 120kg while maintaining its top speed of 18km/h. The item weighs 10kg and is installed with a 500 Watt motor.
6. CAMTOA Bluetooth Speaker Self Balancing Electric Unicycle(389$)
We discussed a unicycle from this supplier at no.8, but this model is an upgrade as it is fitted with Bluetooth speakers & tilt protection of 45 degrees. As a plus, this model also features LED on the sides.
5. Fotowelt X30(450$)
Here is another manufacturer that is an expert in personal transportation devices. With a max speed of 18km/h, this unicycle can climb inclinations as high as 20 degrees with payloads of over 100kg.
4. Airwheel X3(280$)
One of the best value for money buys.The machine can reach speeds of 16km/h and has a battery life of 20km. The unicycle features tilt protection and weighs less than 10kg.
3. Ninebot ONE-E Unicycle (799$)
This distinct looking unicycle has the best range of 30-35km on a single charge. The transporter can reach speeds of 22km/h and can handle individuals with a weight of 120kg maximum.
2. IPS® FBA 19.9kph 340wh/260wh 16 Inch Self Balancing Electric Unicycle (989.99$)
The premium model from IPS. The machine features one of the best control system around and with 2.5 inch wide tyres you get the most smooth riding experience.
1. XIAOTU Unicycle(920$)
This unicycle features a seat and remote control functionality. The impressive machine can run over 40km on a complete charge. With a top of 18km/h and tilt protection, you can reach your destination safely & swiftly.
