Little is known of these smart female young women who created a generator that can generate power while being fueled by urine. Creativity and innovation has been part of the African culture for centuries. It is not much of a surprise that Africans have capabilities of great length that are yet to be explored.
Over the years, people have witnessed some prolific inventors and scientist from Africa including Silas Adekunle, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, Dr Oluyinka O. Olutoye, and Philip Emeagwali “Father of the internet” among others. Presented here are four young Nigerian girls that have proven their merit.
In November 2012, this invention made its debut at the 4th annual Maker Faire, a pan-African innovation fair that took place in Lagos. Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola and Faleke Oluwatoyin were just 14 years old while their fourth colleague, Bello Eniola was 15 years old.
The generator works by first breaking down the urine into nitrogen, hydrogen and water. An electrolytic cell filters out the hydrogen after the urine has been placed into it. The hydrogen, which is the needed component, flows into a water filter where it is purified before it moves into the gas cylinder.
The hydrogen is then pushed into a cylinder filled with liquid borax, where the moisture is removed from the hydrogen gas. The purified hydrogen gas, which is the fuel, is then pushed into the generator. Seeing as the hydrogen gas is extremely volatile and highly flammable, one-way valves were installed throughout the mechanism for safety. This installation reduces the risk of explosion.
According to the inventors, one liter of urine can produce electricity for up to six hours. However, they were not able to specify the voltage of the electricity being produced. Speculations are rife as to the kind of appliances that can be powered through the electricity produced by the generator. However, regardless of whether the generator can power just a light bulb or produce enough electricity for a fridge, computer and television, the girls were commended for creating an invention that can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly energy. This invention will go a long way in facilitating the gravitation towards fuel sources that do not cause damage to the planet.
