Citrus Clock

This clock runs on the energy of a lemon, which powers it for a week or longer.

This pedagogic project is a kind of shortcut intended to remind ourselves that nature, in spite of the various transformations to which we subject her, is still our direct energy source.
The somewhat magical dimension of the operation is in fact simple electrolysis, like a conventional electric battery.

by Florian Dussopt + Julie Girard
+ Atelier Chauvet (cabinet maker) + Anthemis (electronic)

More details :

Technically, it’s almost the same principle than Mr Volta used to invented the battery in 1799 : an electrolysis of zinc and coper (the plug under the lemon) in an salted or acid liquid (the lemon). The oxidation phenomenon create the electricity.
If you were lucky enough, this chemical experience use to be teach in primary school (in france at least).
We call that a pedagogic project as the aim is obviously not to replace our actual clocks, but at least to highlight the relashion between nature and energy.

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At
SHFT Pop-up gallery
New-York, Usa
october 2010

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At
SHFT Pop-up gallery
Downtown Los Angeles Artwalk
Los Angeles, Usa
may 2010
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At
UseLess Gallery
Suntec City Convention Centre
Singapore Design Festival
Singapore, Republic of Singapore
from november 24 – 27, 2009

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At
WIRED Store
Meatpacking district
New-York, Usa
from november 21 – december 27, 2009

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At
Cité du Design St Etienne-Brasil
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil
from 30/11/2009 to 31/01/2010

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At
Cité du Design St Etienne-Brasil
Centro Cultural Teatro Guaíra
Curitiba, Brazil
from 22/10 to 21/11/2009
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At
Cité du Design St Etienne-Brasil
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
from 03/09 to 04/10/2009

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At
Cité du Design St Etienne-Brasil
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Brasília
Brasília, Brazil
from 13/07 to 23/08/2009

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At
Green Living Show
Toronto, Canada
May 2009

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At
City Eco Lab
Biennale Internationale Design
St Etienne, France
from november 15 – 30, 2008