Researchers develop solar cell that works long after sunset

Introduction Researchers have developed a solar cell capable of operating long after sunset. Around 750 million people worldwide do not have access to electricity at night. Although solar cells can work during the day

Researchers develop solar cell that works long after sunset

Around 750 million people around the world do not have access to electricity at night. Although solar cells can provide energy during the day, conserving energy for later use requires significant battery storage. In an article published in Applied Physics Letters, researchers from Stanford University mention a photovoltaic cell capable of harvesting energy from the environment day and night and completely avoiding the need for batteries.

The device harnesses heat escaping from Earth to space - energy of the same order of magnitude as incoming solar radiation.

At night, solar cells radiate and lose heat to the sky, then reach a temperature several degrees lower than the surrounding air. The device under development uses a thermoelectric module that generates voltage and current at paremove the temperature gradient between the battery and the air. This process depends on the thermal design of the system, which includes a hot end and a cold end.

Sid Assawaworrarit, author of the research paper, said: "You want the thermoelectric component to have very good contact with the cold side (i.e. the solar cell) and the hot (i.e. the solar cell). If you don't have that, it's impossible to get much power from it."

The team demonstrated. how well their device generated electricity day and night. During the day, the device works in reverse and provides additional power to conventional solar cells.

It appears that this device is inexpensive and can in principle be integrated into existing solar cells. Additionally, thanks to its simplicity, it is possible to build in remote areas with limited resources.

Study author Zunaid Omair said: "What we did here was build the whole thing from commercially available components, with very good contact thermal, and the most expensive thing in the whole device is the thermoelectric itself”

Using electricity for night lighting requires several watts of power. The current installation can produce 50 milliwatts. per square meter, which means the lighting will require around 20 square meters of photovoltaic area

“None of these components are specifically designed for this purpose, so I think there is room. to improvement, in the sense that if people actually designed these components for our needs. For each of them, I think the performance could be better," said study author Shanhui Fan.

It is reported that the research team will optimize the insulation thermal and thermoelectric components of the deviceeil. Currently, they are investigating technical improvements to the solar cells themselves to improve radiative cooling performance without affecting their solar energy harvesting capabilities.

  • Popular Focus
  • Where is the cheapest battery wholesale?

    Where is the cheapest battery wholesale in Tangxia, Sanyuanli, Baiyun District? There is an enterprise specializing in the independent production of electric vehicles in Tangxia, Sanyuanli, Baiyun District, Baiyun Sanyuanli Avenue, Baiyun Sanyuanli Street
    08-02
  • Four 3.7V lithium batteries in series and parallel produce 7.4V/4.4A. How to reduce it to 4.8V/4.4A?

    Four 3.7V lithium batteries in series and parallel produce 7.4V/4.4A. I personally think it is impossible to reduce it to 4.8V/4.4A. Because the discharge platform of lithium batteries is generally set
    08-10
  • What are the materials of the negative electrodes of lithium batteries?

    What are the materials of the negative electrodes of lithium batteries? The main commercial applications of lithium batteries include graphite, which is a sheet of copper used to guide current and which does not react. another safe
    08-02
  • The difference between 18500 and 26500 batteries

    What is the difference between 18500 and 26500 batteries? The answer above is 18650. The person asking the question should ask what is the difference between 18505 and 26500 batteries. In the case of Fuant ER1
    08-02
  • What does 3.7V 80mAh written on a lithium battery mean?

    What does 3.7V 80mAh written on a lithium battery mean? 3.7 V, 80 mA = 0.08 A, H means 1 hour, or 3600 seconds. Taken together, it is
    08-02
  • How long does a lithium battery (cell phone battery) last?

    How long does a lithium battery (cell phone battery) last? The lifespan of mobile phone batteries, under normal conditions of use and without serious impact, the lifespan set by the manufacturer must be 5 years.
    08-02
  • Will lithium batteries explode when charging?

    Will lithium batteries explode when charged? Will lithium batteries explode when charged? Lithium battery explosions usually occur during the charging process, because the negative electrode material of lithium batteries is graphite or other carbon materi
    08-02
  • Parameters of lgdas31865 lithium battery

    Parameters of lgdas31865 lithium battery The parameters of lgdas31865 lithium battery are as follows: LGDAS31865 is a model 18650 lithium battery with a capacity of
    08-02
  • What are the main components of lithium battery electrolyte?

    What are the main components of lithium battery electrolyte? The composition of lithium battery electrolyte is shown below. 1. Ethylene carbonate: molecular formula C3H4O3. Colorless transparent liquid (>35℃), room temperature
    08-02
  • Who are the lithium battery manufacturers in Shandong?

    What are the lithium battery manufacturers in Shandong? Shandong Shengyang Power Supply Co., Ltd. and Shandong Weineng Environmental Protection Power Technology Co., Ltd. 1. Shandong Shengyang Power Supply Co., Ltd. is located in Shengyang, Qufu City.
    08-02
  • Types of drone batteries available in 2024

    Part 1. Types of drone batteries available in 2024In 2024, drone batteries have advanced significantly, offering a range of options to cater to various needs in
    07-30
  • How long does it take to charge 26650 battery?

    How long does it take to charge a 26650 battery? The charging time for a 26650 battery is generally between 3 and 6 hours, but the precise time depends on the power of the charger and the capacity of the battery. in general
    08-02
  • For what?Sure, here's an article based on the phrase "For what?

    The simple yet profound question, "For what?" often serves as a gateway to deeper reflections on purpose and intention. It is a query that invites us to delve into the reasons behind actions, decisions, and circumstances that shape our lives and the wor
    08-02
  • Choosing the Right Cart Battery

    This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need about cart batteries, from understanding different types to making an informed purchase decision.
    08-02
  • 30mAh~500mAh 3.7 V Li-ion Battery

    Welcome to Ufine's collection of 3.7V lithium-ion batteries ranging from 30mAh to 500mAh. Explore a diverse range of compact and lightweight batteries suitable for various electronic devices,
    08-02
  • Here are 10 essential facts about drone batteries for 2024.

    10 Key Facts About Drone Battery for 2024 In 2024, drone batteries have advanced significantly, offering a range of options to cater to various needs in the consumer, commercial, and industrial sectors. Below are the primary types of drone batteries avai
    08-02
  • Could you please explain the difference among IMR, ICR, INR, and IFR 18650 batteries?

    What is the Difference Between IMR, ICR, INR, and IFR 18650 Battery?In 18650 batteries, discerning the differences among IMR, ICR, INR, and IFR types is fundamental for tailored and efficient battery usage. These distinct
    08-02
  • Safety considerations for cart batteries

    Selecting the ideal cart battery is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your electric vehicle or vaping device. This comprehensive guide w
    08-01