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Ryan K, a member of the Maui Makers ^[5]hackerspace, has developed a laser powered by one of the strangest renewable power sources ever: tropical fruit! To be more specific, the power source is the Hawaiian Lilikoi fruit ^[6] (more commonly known as passion fruit). By using the fruit in conjunction with anodized bolts (source of zinc), thin copper pipe, wire, switches, LEDs and a capacitor, he was able to create a battery that literally grows on trees!

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What is interesting about the Lilikoi vine is that it produces a massive amount of fruit in Hawaii, which is often viewed as a nuisance for any home-owners who own a tree. When the fruit drop, it has to be cleaned up, otherwise it rots and attract insects. Designer Ryan ^[5] noticed that the fruit had a strong acidic taste and thought it would work well as a battery.

Attaching his newly constructed fruit battery to a small green laser, Ryan was able to emit a small pulse. An optional volt meter was used to show the current charge available on the 6800uf capacitor, while an on/off switch with LED indicator light was used to activate the laser. Of course, this drained the power pretty quickly.

Still for a fruit-powered laser ^[5] capable of reaching at least 3v (max charge is approx 3.8v), it is quite an achievement! Could we soon see a day when we power our gadgets with rotten produce?

+ Maui Makers Blog (Lilikoi Laser) ^[5]

via Makezine ^[8]