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Micro cells could replace batteries
Jun 18 2003
Tiny engines, a few millimetres wide, may replace the standard battery after research undertaken by engineers at the University of Birmingham.
Micro-engines, which are lighter and smaller and have over 300 times more energy than an ordinary battery, could be used to charge mobile phones and lap-tops in seconds.
Dr Kyle Jiang, from the Mechanical Engineering department, said: "These micro-engines will be much more efficient than standard batteries.
"Soon everyone will be able to charge their mobile phones instantly using a shot of cigarette lighter fuel instead of having to find a socket for a charger and wait while the phone charges up."
Dr Jiang said the engines could be used for military purposes - driving micro air vehicles and micro-robots used for reconnaissance, in cameras, sensors and communications relays.
