Estream, a portable water turbine to power electronic devices
Estream is the latest technology that provides portable power for electronic devices. It is hydro-turbine that uses the force of flowing river streams.
Staying connected at all times is now more important than ever. Only a decade ago a lack of a mobile phone or reception (or Wi-Fi for this matter) was not really a big deal. Now, not having sufficient battery power for an hour feels like something tragic is happening, while the above listed issues are simply not comprehensible.
Logically, where there is demand, there should be supply. Inventors are coming up with newer, better, and sexier devices every day to serve every need of a customer.
So, here is one of these. Meet Estream– the latest gadget that can power your device in the middle of the mountain forest.
Estream is a portable power turbine, which uses the stream of flowing rivers to generate energy. It is the successor of Enomad, a technology that first made its appearance earlier this year. Enomad did not make it to the market, but it served as a brilliant learning and experimental example, which set the solid base for the new-and improved portable hydro-power turbine Estream.
The new gadget is made of polycarbonate and ABS. It can fold into a relatively compact shape and size, with dimensions of 24.5 x 6.5 cm (9.7 x 2.5 in), and weight of only 800g (1.8lb). The blades of the turbine have 21cm (8.3 in) diameter, which is roughly the size of a human palm.
The device can generate up to 5 W of power, depending on the stream force. The energy storage pack that goes with the turbine is essentially a standard Li-ion battery. It has a capacity of 6,400 mAh, which should be sufficient to charge a regular iPhone 6 three times, or charge three devices simultaneously. The battery takes about 4.5 hrs to charge from flowing water, but it can also be helped a bit via an USB port. Last but not least, Estream can also be attached to a boat, and make use of the artificially created water movement to produce power.
Estream can also serve as a light source. Because it is water resistant, it can be even used underwater.
The portable turbine is currently gathering supporters on Kickstarter. With just under a month to go, the guys are already half way. If you would like to be one of the first proud owners of Estream, hurry up and get your gadget for the attractive price of US$180. You will have it as early as in January, 2017.
