Singapore scientists find a way to get energy from the shadows
The new device will help to get electricity from the shade.
Contrast lighting, which prevents the optimal operation of solar cells, learned to use for good. A device has been developed that converts the black-and-white transition into electricity. The unprecedented concept will find applications for mobile devices.
Scientists at the National University of Singapore invented, assembled, and tested a device that turns the contrast in the illumination between light and shadow on its surface into electricity. The device was called a shadow effect energy generator (SEG). Researchers recorded a breakthrough in the field of battery technology in a publication in the scientific journal Energy & Environmental Science.
In an SEG device, the contrast in the lighting causes a potential difference between the sections on which light is incident and not incident. The potential difference is a necessary condition for the occurrence of electric current. A simple idea in its original design fits easily into the surrounding reality and does not require special conditions for implementation.
SEG contains a set of cells located on a flexible and transparent plastic film. Each cell is a thin gold film deposited on a silicon wafer. Despite the precious metal in the design, SEG will cost much less than silicon solar cells. Any other benefits besides price?
The experiments conducted by the development team showed that in conditions of variable illumination, the new device is 2 times more efficient than solar panels. The maximum amount of electricity is produced when half of the surface of the device is illuminated and the other half in the shade. Worse, the generator charges fully while in the sun or in the shade.
SEG is designed to power smartphones, smart watches and other mobile devices that require constant recharging. In conditions of variable illumination, usually found indoors, a shadow generator will serve as a good alternative to solar panels.
It took a group of six people four months to comprehend, develop and improve the device. In the next step, a team of scientists will try to replace gold with another material to reduce the cost of SEG.
Source: cikavosti.com
