Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Universe Architecture has developed a mechanism through which energy is released by perpetually unbalancing a weight. This could potentially yield a clean, free energy source based on gravity.

"Intuitively, I thought that gravity must have something to offer, given that everything is drawn to earth," Ruijssenaars says. "By unbalancing a weight at the top that is only just stable, using little force, a large force is created at the bottom at a single point. The idea was that this should yield something."

Ruijssenaars' mechanism releases energy by unbalancing a weight. Image credit: Universe Architecture."Thanks to clever use of gravity, the energy yield from the so-called Piezo method, which converts mechanical pressure into electrical energy, is increased from 20% to 80%," says Theo de Vries, system architect and senior lecturer of robotics and mechatronics at the University of Twente and co-developer of the technology.

According to Beatriz Noheda, professor of functional nanomaterials at the University of Groningen, the piezoelectric device offers a potential alternative to solar technology. "In situations where we cannot work sustainably with solar modules, we may well be able to use this new technique," she says.

Ruijssenaars is now working with VIRO, an engineering firm, to develop practical applications for the technique. Potential uses include the manufacture of a sustainable phone charger or a generator for home lighting.