Oxford's Eternal Bell may fall silent after 184‑year mystery run

Thanks to its extraordinary battery, the Oxford Electric Bell has been ringing continuously since 1840.

For over 184 years, the bell at the University of Oxford's Clarendon Laboratory has captivated scientists with its relentless ringing. Known as the Oxford Electric Bell, this remarkable device is powered by an early battery version known as "dry piles." Despite its ongoing operation, the composition and workings of its battery, which has kept it functioning since 1840, remain a mystery, as reported by IFLScience.

Acquired by the physicist Professor Robert Walker of Oxford University, the bell's enduring function is attributed to its unique battery. Although its exact composition is uncertain, it's believed to be coated with sulfur, giving it a candle-like appearance. Various hypotheses exist about the battery's composition and mechanism, yet direct examination is impossible, preventing confirmation of these theories. Speaking with the BBC, Dr. Robert Taylor highlighted the bell's incredibly low energy consumption and minimal energy loss through air resistance.

Despite its long-standing operation, the pace of the bell's ringing has slowed over the past forty years, potentially signaling that the battery might have only 5-10 years left. This eventual depletion would end an experiment that has piqued scientific curiosity and posed unanswered questions for decades.

A groundbreaking development comes from Betavolt Technology, a Chinese firm developing a miniature nuclear battery. This prototype, named the BV100, employs a diamond semiconductor and a nickel isotope to operate for up to 50 years without discharging, even in extreme temperatures. Slated for a 2025 release, these batteries aim to deliver 1 W of power, potentially eliminating the need for recharging, thus revolutionizing mobile and wearable technology.