Australian scientists have developed a breakthrough in solar tech that produces heat radiation power using a mechanism similar to night-vision goggles.
Thanks to significant advances in thermal capture technology, it is possible to capture the sun’s enormous energy even at night. The sun’s heat during the day warms the earth’s crust. But when the sun sets, it loses that heat into the cold depths of space.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales’ School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering successfully tested a device that converts infrared heat to electrical power.
Exciton Science Associate Nicholas Ekins-Daukes was the head of the research team. He said: “In late 18th century and early 19th centuries, it was discovered that steam engines’ efficiency depended upon the temperature difference between the engine and the engine. And the field of thermodynamics was created.
“The exact same principles apply to solar energy. The sun is the heat source, and the Earth is the cold absorber.
“Using the same thermodynamic principles, it is possible also to produce electricity from the temperature difference: the emission infrared radiation into space. “
Rune Strandberg, a Norwegian researcher, first explored the possibility of such an instrument. Researchers at Stanford University are now exploring other ways to capture thermal energy at night.
Although the amount of energy generated by this test is very small (roughly equal to 0.001% of an ordinary solar cell), it is a strong proof of concept.
“We tend to think of the emission light as something that uses power. But in the mid-infrared where we are all glowing brightly with radiant energy, it has been shown that it can be used to extract electricity,” Nicholas stated.
We don’t yet have the miracle material to make the thermoradiative dial a reality every day, but we did prove the principle and we are eager to improve this result over the next few years. “
The team is excited to begin the next phase of research in creating and refining new devices that harness the power and potential industry partners.
