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A breezy success story

An indigenously developed Micro Windmill Mobile Charger can recharge cell phones, portable music devices and laptops

UTILITY DEVICE Satyanarayana demonstrates the operation of the mobile charger

Stay connected, urge cellular phone service providers. But you just cannot, when you travel long distances. Luxury trains, high-end cars and airports are provided with power sockets that help you charge your mobile phone battery. In most other cases, you stand a chance of running out of charge. Instead of ruing over the issue, N.V. Satyanarayana, who hails from Vishakapatnam, has created what he calls a Micro Windmill Mobile Charger.

He makes use of a tiny fan with 10 cm long blades, which is connected to a dynamo. "While in a moving train or car, the energy source that is available in plenty is the wind energy. This device can be fixed to the window of a car, bus or train while the vehicle is in motion. The wind rotates the fan connected to the dynamo. The mechanical energy is then converted into alternate current," explains Satyanarayana.

National acclaim

He designed this device almost five years ago. Reflecting what got him thinking on these lines, he says, "I used to frequently travel between different metros and found that I couldn't charge my mobile. Likewise, using batteries for walkmans also became expensive while on travel since the batteries do not last for long. Having studied M.Sc Geology that included chapters on non-conventional energy, I felt that it's not tough to tap natural sources of energy to charge portable electronic devices."

Satyanarayana soon began to work on the device and was able to generate alternative current of 12 volts. "The idea is to minimise input and maximise output. Right now, I am working towards minimising the size of this fan. The device should be user friendly," he says. This Micro Windmill Mobile Charger was recently featured on Discovery channel's series Beyond Tomorrow, which showcases innovations at the grass root level in India. Discovery, in association with National Innovation Foundation, has been bringing to fore several unique innovations.

Awaiting a patent

The scientist has also developed other value added services that would help the mobile phone user and is in talks with Nokia to incorporate the same in their products. "I applied for a patent for a "moving windmill" in 2001 and waiting the approval. Nokia has shown an interest in the micro windmill charger. At present, I am also working on developing a mobile retrieval programme, which can help you track down your lost phone even if the SIM card has been changed."

Though corporate support for innovations is very limited, Satyanarayana is hopeful. "I have never wanted to associate myself completely with any scientific organisation. This gives me more time and freedom to work at will. And whenever I have demonstrated my work amidst scientific minds - whether at IIT Delhi or National Innovation Foundation - the response has been encouraging."

He shows us another of his utility devices - a torch that can be re-charged without electrical power and battery. "The torch is provided with a spring system such that, when you clasp it and press repeatedly, the spring is operated. The mechanical energy generated helps in charging the torch."

SANGEETHA DEVI. K

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