Joco Paulo Lammoglia, an inventor from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, has recently unveiled his new AIRE concept – a system that converts air flow harnessed from breathing into energy that can be used to charge devices like smartphones and mp3 players.

The AIRE, which won a reddot Design “best of” award in 2011, uses air displacement (wind) to power a device. Air flow turns tiny turbines, which is then converted into electrical energy. It can be used while exercising, or while the user is asleep, offering a 24-hour renewable energy source, which Lammoglia asserts can cut down on ones carbon footprint.

Lammoglia sheds some light on his AIRE concept:

“I hope to bring the concept into production and reduce the carbon footprint. It can be used indoors or outdoors, while you’re sleeping, walking, running or even reading a book. Besides saving energy and helping environmental preservation, it also encourages physical exercise. Though many of our modern gadgets offer benefits, they tend to use a high amount of electrical energy. Harnessing energy from human activities and transforming it into electricity is possible and is a great solution.”

The information on the AIRE doesn’t state whether or not an iPhone would charge faster if the user is running, instead of sleeping – which might explain the “encourages physical exercise” comment. It also isn’t clear whether or not the device can charge the New iPad.