Scientists generate electricity from raindrops

Scientists over in Grenoble are trying to recover energy caused by the vibration of raindrops as they fall and use it to power electronic devices. What next – using ants to power tiny treadmills? Recouping the heat from sweating dogs to charge up an iPod?

The scientists from CEA/Leti-Minatec, an R&D institute in Grenoble told Physorg.com that you can get up to 12 milliwatts from some of the fatter drops.

Apparently, the system – which uses polyvinylidene fluoride polymer to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy – could be used to generate power in areas where murky conditions make solar a no-no.