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MIT Unveils Sun-Free Photovoltaics

Posted by Soulskill on from the channeling-dark-power dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at MIT just unveiled a new solar power generator that doesn't need sunlight to function. The button-sized power generator can tap energy from heat, the sun's rays, a hydrocarbon fuel, or a decaying radioisotope, and it can run three times longer than a lithium-ion battery of the same weight. It is hoped that the technology may one day be used to generate power for spacecraft on long-term missions where sunlight may not be available."

3 of 103 comments (clear)

  1. I've got an even better idea by elrous0 · · Score: 4, Funny

    We use this thing to run a space heater, which in turn heats up the generator and provides even more energy. Bingo, we've got an endless energy supply. String a bunch of these puppies together and goodbye fossil fuels!

    You're welcome, world.

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    1. Re:I've got an even better idea by Thelasko · · Score: 3, Funny

      Please read my signature.

      That is all.

      --
      One of our competitors trademarked the term "hypothesis". From now on, we will call them "boneheaded ideas".
  2. Re:Anyone see any numbers? by sweatyboatman · · Score: 4, Funny

    did you punch the monkey? I think you need to punch the monkey to see the specs.

    --
    It breaks my pluginses, my precious!