Researchers have found an inventive way to power air conditioners using static electricity—by transforming waste polystyrene into energy-generating patches.
This technology, developed by RMIT University and Riga Technical University, promises to reduce power consumption by tapping into otherwise wasted energy sources, like the motion and wind around air conditioning units.
As an added benefit, it tackles the massive waste problem posed by single-use polystyrene packaging.
More than 25 million tonnes of polystyrene are made each year globally, with most ending up in landfills since very little of it is recycled.
The patches, which RMIT has filed a provisional patent for, are as thin as a fraction of a human hair.
They generate static electricity by using air blowing on them. This could help cut the energy needs of air conditioners by up to 5%, potentially lowering the system’s carbon footprint.
Lead researcher Dr. Peter Sherrell, from RMIT’s School of Science, explained that just from air moving over the patches, static electricity is created, and that energy can then be collected and reused.
In experiments, the polystyrene patches produced a voltage of about 230 volts, similar to the voltage in households, though at a much lower power level.
The highest energy comes from greater movement, so fast, large motions produce more energy than slower, smaller ones.
This means the patches could be especially useful in busy places like underground walkways, where movement is constant. They would help power local systems without adding strain to the energy grid.
Adding more layers of polystyrene to these patches can increase the amount of energy they collect. The unique stability of polystyrene is another advantage—it takes around 500 years to break down in a landfill, so patches made from polystyrene can keep producing electricity for a long time.
The static electricity research behind this invention was recently published in Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research.
The scientists studied the layers of polystyrene closely, examining how tightly bound layers differ from looser layers, which produce more electricity. They found that the material’s many tiny strands create charges as they rub together, a process enhanced by carefully arranging the layers.
The team even explored other plastics, finding that different types generate varying levels of energy.
Small changes, like adjusting surface roughness or thickness, impact how much electricity is created. All this knowledge led to the creation of these simple but powerful patches that could soon be used in various commercial applications.
Now, the researchers are looking for industry partners to bring these patches to market. They believe the patches could transform waste polystyrene into a valuable resource, offering a way to recycle waste and cut energy usage in air conditioning and other applications.
Source: RMIT University.
