I've seen fuel cell chargers, solar-powered chargers, and even hand-cranked chargers, but the prototype for UK cell phone carrier Orange's wind-powered cell phone charger is the first time I've seen a nice breeze used as a source of power for your gadgets.

The idea is simple: A tiny windmill spins with the wind, converting that movement into enough electricity to recharge a small gizmo like a cellular phone. The engineering for such a device should be extremely simple; the challenge is in getting enough wind speed and rotational velocity to generate a significant enough current to charge the phone's battery. Because the recharger is so small (weighing just 1/3 of a pound and wholly collapsible), getting the blades to rotate fast enough is the trick. The current version, says Orange, can recharge a typical phone in 24 hours, given steady 12 mph winds. Not great, but perfect for emergencies.

Though it was developed in the U.S., there's no word on an American version of the product (nor is there pricing or a release date announced for the UK). However, you can visit Gotwind (which worked on the prototype), if you're interested in do-it-yourself wind devices. The site includes all sorts of plans for generators, chargers, and other renewable energy devices which you can construct yourself.

LINK: Wind Recharges Cell Phone