Orange has announced the
launch of a prototype mobile phone charger that is powered by wind
energy. The Orange Mobile Wind Charger is the result of months of
research into a viable alternate energy source to power mobile phones
during summer music festivals.
The Orange Mobile Wind Charger is the
latest festival-focused innovation from Orange in recent years,
following the Text Me Home Dome, the Pic Stick and the Solar-Powered
Tent. 
Working with Professor Shashank Priya at the University of
Texas at Arlington, Orange commissioned the research into an off grid
wind-powered portable phone charger that would take into account the
unpredictable English climate, to ensure a constant energy source.
While
the research carried out by Professor Priyas team is still in its
infancy and continues to be developed before mass consumer rollout,
Orange has built fully- functioning models of a mobile wind charger
that will be on display at this years Glastonbury Festival, taking place at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset from 22-24 June.
The
wind turbine, weighing in at only 150g, is small enough to fit into a
weekend rucksack and is easily mounted onto festival-goers tents using
a simple mounting bracket. So while festival revellers are out during
the day taking in their favourite bands, the turbine stores wind
generated power in the control box, ready for when they return to their
tent each night to recharge their phone.
For the technically-minded,
the wind generators 3-phase alternator produces around watt of
power, enough to trickle charge a rechargeable battery. This stored
power is then ready for a mobile phone to be plugged into the small
control box and fully charged within 1-2 hours. The turbine mounting
system allows a cross shaped frame, which moves around a centre bolt
allowing the frame to fit most modern tents. The frame is tightened
against the tent with adjustable guy ropes.
Mobiles phones are
just as important as wellies in terms of festival survival essentials,
says Orange, especially a festival as big as Glastonbury. With capacity
for this years festival at a record high at over 175,000, spread
across a sprawling 900 acres of farmland, keeping connected to your
friends is essential. 
As official communications partner of
Glastonbury Festival, it is important that we continue to innovate and
demonstrate how mobile technology can make festival life a little bit
easier, whilst respecting Glastonburys commitment to being
environmentally aware says Orange Head of Sponsorship, Hattie Evans.
It is a small way that festival goers can enjoy their mobile phones
when and where they need them while they are at the festival.
Festival-goers
at this years Glastonbury Festival will be asked to sign up to the “I
Count” climate change campaign, which encourages people to think about
reducing their carbon footprint. The campaign is supported by the Stop
Climate Chaos coalition of over 50 organisations, as well as by the
three main causes supported by Glastonbury – Oxfam, Greenpeace and
WaterAid.