A groundbreaking new technology developed by researchers at the University of New South Wales has the potential to generate solar power even after sunset. The device, which relies on thermoradiative power generation, harnesses the temperature difference between Earth's surface and the coldness of space to convert infrared radiation into electricity.
While the idea of generating solar power after the sun has set may seem impractical, researchers at the University of New South Wales have found a way to accomplish it. They have developed a new technology that could soon be powering our homes at night.
Their technology works on the principle of thermoradiative power generation. This process capitalizes on the temperature difference between the Earth’s surface and the coldness of space. For reference, all objects, including the Earth, emit infrared radiation.The newly developed device captures this outgoing radiation and converts it into electricity. The key component of this device is a semiconductor, which has been specifically designed to take advantage of this radiant heat.
“What we did was we made a semiconductor device … it takes advantage of that radiant heat that’s leaving the Earth, and as that light is emitted, it generates some electricity,” team lead Ned Ekins-DaukesAccording to a press release issued by the researchers, the semiconductor device was a type of thermoradiative diode. Interestingly, the materials that were used to create this device were similar to those found in night-vision goggles.
Solar Power Infrared Radiation Thermoradiative Power Generation Semiconductor Space Exploration
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