Powertrek water-powered smartphone charger is the real deal
Every now and then we witness some kooky concepts and inventions that, while they make a lot of sense, never hit the shops. We’re talking about inventions such as this Powertrekk water-powered smartphone charger.
Well, guess what: the Powertrekk water-powered charger really is going on sale. However, the cunning device, which turns hydrogen from water into electricity will come at a cost.
Nokia Lumia 900 due in the UK this June
The Powertrekk smartphone charger has currently been tagged at $229. By turning the hydrogen from water into electricity, the Powertrekk charger is able to provide a welcome source of power for mobile phones that are connected to the charger via USB.
Now, this is the science bit. To work, water passes through a Proton Exchange Membrane that separates water and hydrogen into protons and electrons. It is these protons and electrons that move around the charger that will enable it to charge our smartphones. Clever stuff.
However, to keep the Powertrek water-powered smartphone charger doing its job, a $12 fuel pack is required once the existing one wears out due to the above process. And it is worth noting that the water-powered charger will not charge all gadgets – they have to first meet the chargers charging requirements. It is said that most smartphones will charge, but not tablets.
Should we get out hands on one for ourselves, we will be sure to let you know if the Powertrek water-powered smartphone charger really works.
User comments (5)
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Steve_Jones24 January 2012
This is not water-powered. It is powered by the contents of the "powerpukk", which it seems contains sodium silicide. This is yet another overpriced gadget being mis-sold as "water-powered" to those with more eco-conscience than scientific knowledge... YOU, Gadget Show, are a tech website and you should be ashamed to be enthusiastically spreading the misinformation. You'll be able to tell when a water-powered USB charger comes along... it'll have a little waterwheel and require the water to be moving. Until then, a couple of pointers: 1. The law of conservation of energy means you can't just put water in, get water out and create work/energy/power while you're doing it. 2. When the company coyly refers to periodically changing a "power pack"... they're talking about (in essence) a battery. Anybody who understood GCSE science should recognise this article as advertising BS. Who on Earth runs one of the country's most prominent tech websites and yet hires journalists who are incapable of understanding this?
Report as inappropriateMartyn24 January 2012
I know Right? what a joke, it takes more energy to break down a H2O molicule then you actually get out of it. as you pointed out it has a energy pack which you have to refill. the term waterpowered does indicate flowing water (energy source) x WORK ( water wheel) = Power
Report as inappropriateCryoGen24 January 2012
With only 4 watt hours on one puck at 1500mAh it would be the same in my estimation as roughly 1+1 AA alkaline batteries and at £12 for a puck the batteries come out cheaper unless I misunderstand something. Cool tech but needs to be cheaper....roll on the future. :D
Report as inappropriateCryoGen24 January 2012
correction....$12
Report as inappropriateDaRiCh24 January 2012
If there is a contender for the 'Naff Gadget of the year award', THIS IS IT! laughable pointless and HUGELY overpriced
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