Major breakthrough as new technology generates solar energy at night

Summary

Scientists at the University of New South Wales have developed a groundbreaking technology that generates electricity from the heat emitted by warm surfaces, even at night. This innovation can transform how we harness solar power, extending its use beyond daylight hours. Currently, it can produce enough power to run a wristwatch, and while it's still in the experimental phase, the potential to power Wi-Fi at night or charge satellites in space is being explored. The team was recently recognized as a finalist at the Eureka science Awards.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Solar power technology is evolving to generate electricity even at night.
• 🏫 The University of New South Wales is pioneering this new technology.
• 🔬 Scientists have developed a device that harnesses the power of radiation from warm surfaces.
• 🌡️ The device can generate power from any surface that glows in an infrared camera.
• 🌑 The technology can currently power a wrist watch using body heat.
• 🔋 The current efficiency is about 100,000 times less than a solar panel.
• 🔭 The technology is in its early stages and has room for optimization.
• 🏠 Future applications could include powering Wi-Fi at night from rooftop installations.
• 🌌 The next phase of development aims to charge satellites in space using nighttime solar.
• 🏆 The team at UNSW was recognized as a finalist at the Eureka science Awards.
• 🚀 Plans are underway to have this technology on spacecraft and satellites in the next few years.

Q & A

What is the new technology mentioned in the transcript that can produce electricity at night?

The new technology is a device that can harness the power of radiation off warm surfaces to generate electricity even after the sun has set.

Where is this technology currently located?

The technology is located at the University of New South Wales.

How does the device work?

The device uses a semiconductor to generate power from the infrared radiation emitted by warm surfaces.

What is an example of a small-scale application of this technology mentioned in the script?

The technology could be used to power a wrist watch from the user's own body heat.

How efficient is this technology compared to solar panels?

At the moment, the technology can generate around 100,000 times less power than a solar panel.

What was the purpose of the initial experimental demonstration of the technology?

The purpose was to prove the concept and possibility of generating electricity from thermal radiation at night, rather than to reach maximum efficiency.

What is a potential future application for this technology mentioned in the script?

One potential future application is to power Wi-Fi at night using the thermal radiation from rooftops.

Is there a plan to use this technology in space?

Yes, the next phase of development is looking at how nighttime solar will charge satellites in space.

What recognition did the team at the University of New South Wales receive?

The team was recognized as one of 55 finalists at the Eureka science Awards.

What are the next steps for the development of this technology?

The next steps include optimizing the technology for use on spacecraft and satellites in the next couple of years.

What is the current limitation of the technology that needs to be addressed before it can be used terrestrially?

The technology is still in its infancy and requires more optimizing to be useful for terrestrial applications.