14 DAY TRIAL // Orange has developed an environmental friendly solution for recharging mobile phone batteries. The device acts like a small turbine which uses the power of wind in order to generate electricity.
As the fight for being considered "green" companies, concerned with the future of the environment continues, a great deal of inventions appear. Orange has also decided to join this direction with a wind charger prototype.
The device aims rather at those who enjoy going on outdoor trips, as it is especially designed for being mounted on the tent or in open spaces, where wind power is greatest. The developers of this concept have taken into account the unpredictable climate in the UK.
Another "green" phone concept comes from China, where such a device has been developed as to use solar energy for recharging its batteries. Not all countries benefit from sunny days, which has made it necessary for the Orange developers to think of other ideas.
"As official communications partner of Glastonbury Festival, it is important that we continue to innovate and demonstrate how mobile technology can make festival life a little bit easier, whilst respecting Glastonbury's commitment to being environmentally aware", said Hattie Evans, Head of Sponsorship at Orange.
The wind turbine weighs 150 grams, which might make it light enough for frequent use. Still, its dimensions might make it rather difficult to carry around and easy to deteriorate. The propeller has a diameter of 30 cm and manages to provide enough power for fully charging the handset in an estimated time of 1-2 hours.
The concept has been presented to the general public at this year's edition of the Glastonbury Festival. People at Orange said that the wind charger has high chances of eventually being put into production if there is a demand for it.