Phone-Recharging Orange Power Wellies Unveiled

Telecommunications firm Orange has unveiled new practical and environmentally friendly phone charging technology that it has developed in tandem with renewable energy company GotWind. The firms’ Orange Power Wellies are effectively hi-tech Wellington boots that boasts power-producing soles capable of converting heat directly into electricity.

The Orange Power Wellies are being launched in connection with the upcoming Glastonbury music festival, which over the years has become almost synonymous with mud and conditions that demand the wearing of thick-soled waterproof rubber boots. And given that festival audiences are not usually static – they move around and dance – Orange has highlighted how 12 hours of boot movement will generate sufficient power for an hour’s worth of phone charge.

The first prototype of the Orange Power Wellies will be exhibited at Glastonbury, but details of them entered the public domain on 7 June 2010 courtesy of a company press release.

Orange Power Wellies: Phone Recharges

The idea of the Orange Power Wellies isn’t to charge phones as movement is taking place, rather the boots store energy and then transfer it to mobile phones via a connection device at the top of them. The boots’ soles incorporate thermoelectric technologies that draw on heat from the feet and the lower ground temperature (underneath the sole) to create the current that allows phone recharges to take place.

“Orange remain loyal to the green ethos of the Glastonbury Festival and are committed to researching exciting new energy sources that can be used on site to ensure people can stay in touch with their nearest and dearest”, Orange UK’s Head of Sponsorship Andrew Pearcey stated. “The Orange Power Wellies use clean and renewable energy to create valuable electricity ensuring festival goers can text and phone their mates for the duration of the weekend.”

Phone-Recharging Boots

“GotWind are excited to be working with Orange for a fourth year to create an invaluable charging prototype for festival goers”, GotWind’s MD Dave Pain added in connection with the new phone-recharging boots.

“Wellies are now the staple festival footwear, the Orange Power Wellies not only keep you dry but they also provide a crucial eco-electricity source.”

In 2009, Enviro News reported on a whole host of new solar-powered gadgets including the Orange Solar Concept Tent, which was launched at last year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Orange Power Wellies image copyright of Orange