Humanity has harnessed hydraulic energy for thousands of years. The most modern examples are technically sustainable, though not entirely green, and they generate impressive amounts of electricity. The Blue Freedom project borrows some ideas from large power plants to create a portable hydraulic turbine with the goal of recharging all our devices in remote regions and challenging situations.
A flowing water current with enough force, a bit of incline if possible, and physics will take care of the rest. When thinking of examples of hydraulic energy, one can end up with massive constructions like the Itaipu Dam, or something as simple as a small water wheel. The earliest examples of hydraulic energy take us back thousands of years, and there is even a beautiful poem attributed to Antipater of Thessalonica, who tells the "girls of the mill" to keep sleeping in the morning, since their tasks were now "in the care of the nymphs". Hydraulic technology gives us access to an extraordinary energy source, but the vast majority of its solutions are static and require constant attention. If someone managed to develop a portable system, what would it look like?
Blue Freedom: A Portable Hydroelectric Plant
The team behind Blue Freedom seems to have the right idea. If you enjoy nature and want to capture special moments with your mobile devices, the number one enemy is the battery. In recent years, we've seen many alternatives for recharging gadgets, but Blue Freedom puts hydraulic energy to use in a very interesting way. On one end, there's a turbine connected to a flexible shaft, while the other end goes to the portable station, which features two USB ports (one with fast charging at 2A), a 5,000 mAh battery, and integrated LED lights. Blue Freedom also includes a micro USB auxiliary port that recharges the internal battery without water, and its weight does not exceed 400 grams. Charging time varies with each device, but one hour underwater for the turbine translates to ten additional hours of battery on an average smartphone.
Kickstarter Campaign and Pricing
As expected, Blue Freedom has a profile on Kickstarter and is seeking $100,000 to continue production. So far, it has received just over $70,000, and with 45 days left, it shouldn't have any trouble getting the rest. The price for each Blue Freedom is $199 with worldwide shipping. However, if you want one, you should buy it now, because the final price will be $319, which is a bit steep for something that is essentially a small 5-watt generator. First deliveries are in October.
