Waves Shake the Life Jacket... Lighting Up a Distress Call
Researchers from the University of Wollongong have developed a life jacket that uses wave motion to generate electricity, lighting up a distress signal. The technology remains experimental.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
The motion of a person floating on water could provide an additional opportunity to attract the attention of rescuers.
Researchers have tested a life jacket prototype that harnesses wave-like motion to generate electricity that illuminates an SOS distress signal.
According to Australia’s University of Wollongong, whose researchers collaborated with an international team to develop the technology, the innovation relies on a device containing two droplets of gallium-based liquid metal within a conductive solution.
When the device moves, the contact area between the droplets and the liquid and air changes, altering the chemical reactions on their surfaces and generating a small electric current.
By connecting 40 units, the team achieved a voltage of nearly two volts, sufficient to light up small LEDs.
In the life jacket prototype, the electricity generated by motion was collected and stored before being used to illuminate the distress letters.
The device also functioned in seawater, although its performance was better under laboratory conditions.
The technology can also detect motion, as its electrical signal changes when pressed, bent, or twisted, opening up possibilities for its use in wearable devices to monitor body movement.
However, the life jacket remains an experimental prototype.
Researchers are now focusing on increasing the electrical output, durability, and reliability under real-world conditions before it can be deployed as a rescue aid. The study was published in the journal Science Advances.
