Solar-Powered Cellphones

Solar Powered Mobile

Scientist from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have been developing ways on how to harvest energy and extend operating hours for your devices like your laptop or your mobile phone. At the Hanover Trade Fair they displayed new energy storage technologies, micro-fuel cells and information on drawing power from multiple energy sources available in the environment of the device.

Researchers are using micro fuel cells as chemical power converters to supply power for mobile devices. The flat micro cells are made of polymer and metallic films. Three of these would amount to 1.5 V, enough to replace conventional button cells.

The concept of energy harvesting refers to using light, heat or motion to generate energy. For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM employs thermoelectrics: energy is generated by a heat flow source such as the user’s wrist. Prominent clock makers use this technology to power watches. Micro-integrated thermo-electric converters can also be used to cool electronic components.

Building on the concept of thermoelectrics, theoretically if you let your mobile phone equipped with these micro fuel cells sunbathe for a few hours every day, you’d never run out of battery. Ever.

Via fraunhofer

Solar Powered Mobile

Scientist from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have been developing ways on how to harvest energy and extend operating hours for your devices like your laptop or your mobile phone. At the Hanover Trade Fair they displayed new energy storage technologies, micro-fuel cells and information on drawing power from multiple energy sources available in the environment of the device.

Researchers are using micro fuel cells as chemical power converters to supply power for mobile devices. The flat micro cells are made of polymer and metallic films. Three of these would amount to 1.5 V, enough to replace conventional button cells.

The concept of energy harvesting refers to using light, heat or motion to generate energy. For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM employs thermoelectrics: energy is generated by a heat flow source such as the user’s wrist. Prominent clock makers use this technology to power watches. Micro-integrated thermo-electric converters can also be used to cool electronic components.

Building on the concept of thermoelectrics, theoretically if you let your mobile phone equipped with these micro fuel cells sunbathe for a few hours every day, you’d never run out of battery. Ever.

Via fraunhofer

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