Brazil groups sees 'hygroelectricity' as new renewable power source, lightning preventer

摘要

A report presented at a recent science meeting in Boston describes technology that could capture large amounts of electrical energy from the air, energy that is normally manifest as lightning. A research group from the University of Campinas (Brazil) led by Fernando Galembeck thinks this air-based power source can be harnessed into a significant supply of electricity for a variety of applications and, at the same time, and lessen the dangers of lightening. "Our research could pave the way for turning electricity from the atmosphere into an alternative energy source for the future," says Galembeck. "If we know how electricity builds up and spreads in the atmosphere, we can also prevent death and damage caused by lightning strikes." He delivered the report at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.