Singaporean scientists have created a technology for generating electricity from rain!

Scientists from the National University of Singapore have demonstrated an innovative solution that could become a new energy source in the near future. They have managed to create a method for generating electricity from the movement of raindrops. This is described in detail in a scientific article published in the journal ACS Publications.

The principle of operation of the device

The central idea of the technology is that vertical pipes are installed on the roof and rainwater flows through them. In this process, ions in the water layer move, releasing conveniently oriented charges. This leads to the formation of an “electric current”. That is, rain becomes an energy source.

As can be seen in the figure, in the first case, a traditional “streaming current” is formed, and the electric current is limited to the second layer. However, the researchers have proposed a method called “plug flow”, which eliminates the so-called Debye length limitation. This method allows for greater charge separation and increased generation efficiency.

Experimental results

Experiments have shown that just 10 percent of rainwater can generate enough energy to power 12 LED lights. This means electricity generation with minimal resources and significantly higher efficiency.

Different aspects from traditional hydropower

One of the biggest advantages of this technology is that it does not require a large river or a constant flow of water. Simply put, in cities with a lot of rainfall, especially in countries with a tropical climate, it would be possible to install such a tubular "electric roof" on every building.

Such systems are technically simple and environmentally safe. Most importantly, they require minimal maintenance, which means they are also economically beneficial. The technology is particularly important in places where there are no favorable conditions for solar panels and where the wind does not blow.

Concluding Thought

This scientific achievement by Singaporean scientists can be a promising path for the world community in search of a sustainable and affordable energy source. If this technology becomes widespread in practice, in the future every raindrop will be valued not only as a gift of nature, but also as a source of electricity.