For long time, It has
been a great mystery how electricity appears in the atmosphere. But, recent
research says that atmospheric water vapor can turn into electrical charge.
They are calling it hygroelectricity which means humid electricity. Now, it is realized that
hygroelectricity is one kind of static electricity which appears on water
droplets and can be moved from droplets to small dust particles. It is a common
phenomenon in the earth's atmosphere. Hygroelectric charge exists in
thunderstorms volcanic eruptions and some dust storms which creates
lightning. Once, scientists believed that water droplets in the atmosphere
were electrically neutral and remain same even after coming into
contact with the electrical charges on dust particles and droplets of other
liquids. But, recent research says that an electrical charge can be picked up
by water in the atmosphere indeed.
Scientists had been
charmed by the idea of harnessing the power of thunderstorms for long time.
After laboratory experiments, scientists observed the simulated water's contact
with dust particles in the air. In their experiment, tiny particles of silica
and aluminum phosphate were used. It has been observed that during high
humidity, silica gains more negatively charged and aluminum phosphate gains
more positively charged. A high level of water vapor in the air
creates high humidity. During steamy summer days, this vapor can condense and
appears as fog on windows of air-conditioned building and cars.
Scientists and
researchers are hoping that just like the solar cells which collect the sunlight to produce
electricity, it will also be possible to develop collectors in order to
capture hygroelectricity and distribute it to homes and businesses. Just
like solar cells work effectively in sunny areas
of the world, hygroelectrical panels would work more effectively in areas
having high humidity.They propose that hygroelectrical panels can be installed
on top of buildings in the area where thunderstorms are most frequent. These
panels could drain electricity out of the air and prohibit the building of
electrical charge which is released in lightning. Now, scientists and
researchers are comprehensively experimenting as well as researching the
greatest potential for use in capturing atmospheric electricity and preventing
lightning strikes. So, we can say that hygroelectricity contains a good
prospect as an alternative energy resource.