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Solar Cell and Capacitor in One
Roland Piquepaille writes "Solar cells can convert solar energy to electricity, but that's about all they can do. You need batteries to store, and then release, this electricity. But this extra-step might soon no longer be necessary. According to PhysicsWeb, Japanese scientists have developed a new type of solar cell which integrates an electricity storage device. No more batteries or recharger! The 'photocapacitor,' as they call this new device, is also twice more efficient than a typical silicon-based solar cell when used on cloudy days. So apparently, you'll soon be able to travel lighter by leaving your various rechargers for your many handheld devices at home. Read more for other details and references."
Basically, this is going to be in research for a long time before anything practical comes out of it. Best thing I could see this used for is low-drain devices in remote locations - but only if this is significantly better and cheaper than a separate solar cell and battery system. Also, right now batteries wear out much faster than solar cells - will this new panel's charging capacity last 20+ years?
Very cool, but overall, I'd say, not practical.
Does anyone remember reading about coolchips http://www.coolchips.com/ and their sister companies such as powerchips? The efficiencies they have created in energy conversion are astounding. 1 square inch coolchip was enough to provide all the cooling for your freezer. And then with powerchips they can convert some of the heat energy off of the hot side of the coolchip back into electricity.
I even envisioned powerchips, with their great efficiency of transferring heat to electricity being used in conjunction with the Earths natural heat sources, such as volcanos or just hotspots like yellowstone. And hello... no waste byproducts?
It finally does look like we're making some progress.
It's too bad they didn't include the capacitance of the cells. You might need quite a few to blink something big like a road light.
One concern I have is, if the capacitor is fully charged (voltage across plates equals voltage coming from solar cell), then, won't it not be able to charge anymore? Wouldn't the current flow to the cap (therefor output) be maximized if you *didn't* let them charge?
If it only helps at increasing efficiency for low light, then, more power to them. tehe.
Just in case you were hoping to get the market in time: ;)
Solar Powered Torches and a light for the garden
Jumpstart the tartan drive.