Never miss an Instagram opportunity again! The portable WIND TURBINE that can charge your phone in the world's most remote locations

  • The Micro Wind Machine charges devices via a USB port using wind power
  • Unlike solar panels, it thrives in tempestuous weather both day and night
  • It weighs just over two pounds and folds down to the size of an umbrella 

For some intrepid travellers, being separated from modern civilization is the whole reason they venture into the wilderness.

Most explorers, however, rely heavily on their phones as they navigate their way through the great outdoors - and it's not ideal when they inevitably run out of juice.

Enter the Micro Wind Machine, which can charge phones using just the power of wind.

The Micro Wind Machine, pictured, is a gizmo crafted by German designer Nils Ferber, which can charge phones using just the power of wind

The Micro Wind Machine, pictured, is a gizmo crafted by German designer Nils Ferber, which can charge phones using just the power of wind

The harvested energy can be used to charge phones via a USB output, pictured, or stored in its built-in battery pack

The harvested energy can be used to charge phones via a USB output, pictured, or stored in its built-in battery pack

Unlike solar panels, which require plentiful sunshine, the Micro Wind Machine - crafted by German designer Nils Ferber, based in Zurich, Switzerland - operates best in tempestuous conditions during both the day and night.

The harvested energy can be used to charge phones via a USB output or stored in its built-in battery pack.

Discussing his design, Mr Ferber wrote on the James Dyson Award site: 'I contacted a number of mountaineers, climbers, film-makers, and expedition leaders and asked them questions about their experiences, requirements and typical weather conditions. 

'All of my contacts told me that they are usually using solar panels. But being entirely dependent on sunshine is a huge problem for them, sometimes putting them out of work for several days.

The Micro Wind Machine weighs just over two pounds and folds down to the size of an umbrella - producing a constant output of five Watts at a wind speed of 11mph

The Micro Wind Machine weighs just over two pounds and folds down to the size of an umbrella - producing a constant output of five Watts at a wind speed of 11mph

Unlike solar panels, which require plentiful sunshine, the Micro Wind Machine operates best in tempestuous conditions
It also works during both day and night

Unlike solar panels, which require plentiful sunshine, the Micro Wind Machine operates best in tempestuous conditions during both the day and night

Most explorers rely heavily on their phones as they navigate their way through the great outdoors - and it's not ideal when they inevitably run out of juice

Most explorers rely heavily on their phones as they navigate their way through the great outdoors - and it's not ideal when they inevitably run out of juice

He added: 'They were instantly excited about a wind turbine but pointed out that weight, pack size and ease of use would be of greatest importance for them.'

The Micro Wind Machine weighs just over two pounds and folds down to the size of an umbrella - and produces a constant output of five Watts at a wind speed of 11mph.

The current design is optimized for smaller USB devices, like phones, for individual use, but Mr Ferber says it could be scaled up. And while not yet available to buy, it's certainly one to look out for in the future. 

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