Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Solid state solar panels are more affordable, say researchers, don't leak]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/northwestern-university-solid-dye-solar-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/northwestern-university-solid-dye-solar-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/northwestern-university-solid-dye-solar-cell/#comments http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/northwestern-university-solid-dye-solar-cell/

Researchers at Northwestern University have found one way to stop a leak: get rid of the liquid. A new variation on the Grätzel solar cell replaces a short-lived organic dye with a solid alternative. The molecular dye the solid substance replaces was corrosive, at risk of leaking and only lasted about 18-months -- by replacing it, researchers plan to pave the way for a more affordable (and less toxic) alternative. Northwestern's new design flaunts a 10.2-percent conversion efficiency, the highest ever recorded in a solid-state solar cell of its type -- but that's still only half of what traditional sun collectors can do. Researchers hope to improve conversion in the long run, but expect that the cost reduction alone will be enough to get the party going. It may not be the greenest solar technology we've ever seen, but who are we to judge?

Solid state solar panels are more affordable, say researchers, don't leak originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gratzelgratzel solar cellGratzelSolarCellgreen energyGreenEnergynorthwestern universityNorthwesternUniversityphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellPhotovoltaicCellsolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerSun, 27 May 2012 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create incredibly thin solar cells flexible enough to wrap around a human hair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/#comments ImageYou've probably heard that the sun is strong enough to power our planet many times over, but without a practical method of harnessing that energy, there's no way to take full advantage. An incredibly thin and light solar cell could go a long way to accomplishing that on a smaller scale, however, making the latest device from researchers from the University of Austria and the University of Tokyo a fairly significant discovery. Scientists were able to create an ultra-thin solar cell that measures just 1.9 micrometers thick -- roughly one-tenth the size of the next device. Not only is the sample slim -- composed of electrodes mounted on plastic foil, rather than glass -- it's also incredibly flexible, able to be wrapped around a single strand of human hair (which, believe it or not, is nearly 20 times thicker). The scalable cell could replace batteries in lighting, display and medical applications, and may be ready to be put to use in as few as five years. There's a bounty of physical measurement and efficiency data at the source link below, so grab those reading glasses and click on past the break.

Researchers create incredibly thin solar cells flexible enough to wrap around a human hair originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellcellselectricelectricityjuicepanelpanelspowerprototypeprototypesresearchsciencesolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar panelsolar panelssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPanelSolarPanelsSolarPowersunUniversity of AustriaUniversity of TokyoUniversityOfAustriaUniversityOfTokyoWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Arman Ahnood teases OLED display with solar cells, idealizes the self-sustaining smartphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/#comments Plenty of effort is going into improving smartphone battery life, but only a few individuals are delving into radical realms to achieve the goal. Take for example, Arman Ahnood, a researcher at the London Centre for Nanotechnology, whose latest prototype uses solar cells to capture wasted energy from OLEDs. Similar to Wysips (which uses only ambient light), and equipment from UCLA (designed for LCDs), each project faces the unenviable task of making the smartphone a self-sustaining piece of gear.

Ahnood's handiwork relies on an array of solar cells that surround and sit beneath the phone's display. Currently, the system averages 11 percent efficiency in its energy capture, with a peak efficiency of 18 percent. Naturally, there are gains to be made. Of the light generated from OLEDs, Ahnood approximates that only 36 percent is actually projected outward. Critically speaking, this also suggests that similar power savings could be achieved with dimmer, more efficient displays, but we'll let that slide. As it stands, Ahnood's system is able to generate approximately five milliwatts of additional power, given a screen size of 3.7-inches. It's hardly sustainable, but if the creation lets us squeeze in a few more text messages on Friday night, we'll take it.

Arman Ahnood teases OLED display with solar cells, idealizes the self-sustaining smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arman AhnoodArmanAhnooddisplaydisplaysenergyLondon Centre for NanotechnologyLondonCentreForNanotechnologymobile displayMobileDisplaymobilepostcrossoledphotovoltaicpowersmartphonesmartphonessolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPowerFri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists create first solar cell with over 100 percent quantum efficiency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/#comments Researchers over at the National Renewable Energy Lab have reportedly made the first solar cell with an external quantum efficiency over 100 percent. Quantum efficiency relates to the number of electrons-per-second flowing in a solar cell circuit, divided by the number of photons from the energy entering. The NREL team recorded an efficiency topping out at 114 percent, by creating the first working multiple exciton generation (MEG) cell. Using MEG, a single high energy photon can produce more than one electron-hole pair per absorbed photon. The extra efficiency comes from quantum dots 'harvesting' energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. The cell itself uses anti-reflection coating on a transparent conductor, layered with zinc oxide, lead selenide, and gold. NREL scientist Arthur J. Nozik predicted as far back as 2001 that MEG would do the job, but it's taken until now for the concept to leap over from theory. The hope is, of course, that this will lead to more competitively priced solar power, fueling the transport of the future.

Scientists create first solar cell with over 100 percent quantum efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellelectronmegmultiple exciton generationMultipleExcitonGenerationNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryNationalRenewableEnergyLaboratoryNRELphotonquantum efficiencyQuantumEfficiencyrenewable energyRenewableEnergysciencesolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerMon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/#comments
Let's begin with the usual disclaimer: Apple patent applications do not mean the outlandish technology will be arriving in the next iPhone, just that someone in a Cupertino basement cooked it up during a marathon "imagining" session (possibly while enjoying a cool glass of purple stuff). The company's latest drawings-and-charts masterpiece concerns the construction and placement of photovoltaic cells and, more importantly, using the sun's energy to illuminate a display. By using a mirror pointed at the sky, you could reflect some rays toward your screen to supplement an LED backlight, or by turning the top lid of your Macbook into a solar panel. Although we can see one minor drawback in using solar powered backlighting -- if you have to point your display toward the sun, you're gonna need some powerful shades.

Continue reading Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light

Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple PatentApplePatentEnvironmentalPatentPatentsSolarSolar CellSolar EnergySolar PanelSolar PatentSolar PowerSolarCellSolarEnergySolarPanelSolarPatentSolarPowerUSPTOWed, 19 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/#comments Thought Intel was done busting out new slabs of The Future at IDF? Wrong. Justin Rattner, the firm's chief technology officer, just took the stage here in San Francisco in order to showcase a trifecta of new concepts, all of which were borne out of research in Intel Labs. The first, and perhaps most notable, is the Near Threshold Voltage Processor (code-named "Claremont"), which relies on novel, ultra-low voltage circuits that dramatically reduce energy consumption -- like EnerJ, but not. How so? Well, by "operating close to threshold, or turn-on voltage, of the transistors," it's able to scream when needed or scale back dramatically (below ten milliwatts) when the workload is light. If you're curious as to just how low that is, we're told that it's low enough to keep running while powered only by a solar cell the size of a postage stamp. Sadly, the research chip isn't destined to become a product itself, but Intel's hoping that the knowledge gained could lead to "integration of scalable near-threshold voltage circuits across a wide range of future products, reducing power consumption by five-fold or more and extending always-on capability to a wider range of computing devices."

As for demos? A smattering of multicore / multiprocessor sessions aided Intel in upping its bragging rights, and we were informed that coding for multicore setups is "easier than the press makes out to be." The outfit also took the opportunity to release a Parallel JS engine to the open source crowd, adding data-parallel capabilities to JavaScript to purportedly "speed up browser-based services such as computer vision, cryptography, and 3D games by up to eight-fold." Furthermore, a newly revealed Hybrid Memory Cube -- complete with seven times better energy efficiency than today's DDR3 memory -- was also unwrapped. More details can be found in the links below, and we've got your unveiling video embedded just beyond the break.

Gallery: Intel reveals Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)

Continue reading Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)

Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsClaremontcpuexperimentalHybrid Memory CubeHybridMemoryCubeidfidf 2011Idf2011intelNear Threshold Voltage ProcessorNearThresholdVoltageProcessorParallel JSParallelJsprocessorresearchsolarsolar cellsolar powersolar poweredsolar-powersolar-poweredSolarCellSolarPowerSolarPoweredvoltageThu, 15 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford teams with SunPower, offers EV owners $10,000 solar charging system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/ford-teams-with-sunpower-offers-ev-owners-10-000-solar-chargin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/ford-teams-with-sunpower-offers-ev-owners-10-000-solar-chargin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/ford-teams-with-sunpower-offers-ev-owners-10-000-solar-chargin/#comments We might not know how much Ford's expecting for the Focus Electric, but it's already put a hefty $10,000 price tag on one of its accessories. The company announced today that it has teamed with SunPower to offer purchasers of the upcoming Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi a 2.5-kilowatt rooftop solar system. That setup will apparently provide "enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging" cars that log 1,000 miles per month (about 30 miles per day) or less. If $10,000 is just a little too rich for your blood, there's always Best Buy's $1,500 budget-friendly charging station. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Ford teams with SunPower, offers EV owners $10,000 solar charging system

Ford teams with SunPower, offers EV owners $10,000 solar charging system originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarselectric carelectric carsElectric VehicleElectric VehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVEVsForFordFord FocusFordFocusphotovoltaic cellphotovoltaic cellsPhotovoltaicCellPhotovoltaicCellssolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar chargersolar chargingsolar charging stationsolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarChargerSolarChargingSolarChargingStationSolarPowerSunPowerThu, 11 Aug 2011 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/mit-researchers-revolutionize-solar-cell-printing-fold-the-powe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/mit-researchers-revolutionize-solar-cell-printing-fold-the-powe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/mit-researchers-revolutionize-solar-cell-printing-fold-the-powe/#comments Wouldn't it be neat if you could power a few gadgets around the house with some tastefully chosen, solar cell-embedded curtains? Alright, so this MIT-pioneered tech's not quite that advanced yet, but it's destined to have a Martha Stewart Living future. By eschewing liquids and high temperatures for gentler vapors kept below 120 degrees Celsius, researchers were able to cheaply print an array of photovoltaic cells on "ordinary untreated paper, cloth or plastic." And here's some additional food for thought -- the vapor-deposition process used to create these cells is the same as the one that puts that "silvery lining in your bag of potato chips" -- science, it's everywhere. Despite the tech's home furnishing friendly approach, this breakthrough printing technique can't be done with your everyday inkjet, but it will make the cost of solar energy installations a bit cozier. Its flexible durability aside, the cells currently operate at only one percent efficiency -- so you might want to buy those drapes in bulk to see a real bottom line kickback. Foldable paper video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video)

MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flexibleinkjetinkjet printerinkjet solarinkjet solar cellInkjetPrinterInkjetSolarInkjetSolarCellM.I.T.manufacturingmassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellphotovoltaic cellsPhotovoltaicCellPhotovoltaicCellsprintingsolar cellsolar cell productionsolar cellssolar energysolar powerSolarCellSolarCellProductionSolarCellsSolarEnergySolarPowervideoTue, 12 Jul 2011 23:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon engineers roll out cheaper, less wasteful solar cells with inkjet printer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/oregon-engineers-roll-out-cheaper-less-wasteful-solar-cells-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/oregon-engineers-roll-out-cheaper-less-wasteful-solar-cells-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/oregon-engineers-roll-out-cheaper-less-wasteful-solar-cells-wit/#commentsOregon engineers roll out cheaper, less wasteful solar cells with inkjet printer It looks like the push to turn the inkjet printer into the next great manufacturer of solar cells has found another proponent in a team of engineers at Oregon State University. That group of resourceful researchers claims to have created the world's first "CIGS solar devices with inkjet printing," thus giving birth to a new production process that reduces raw material waste by 90 percent. CIGS (an acronym for copper, indium, gallium, and selenium) is a highly absorbent and efficient compound, especially suited to creating thin-film solar cells. The team has used inkjet technology to pump out a CIGS ink with an efficiency of five percent, and a potential efficiency of 12 percent; apparently enough to produce a "commercially viable solar cell." Unfortunately, the group has yet to announce plans to bring the ink to our desktop printer -- so much for that backyard solar farm. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Oregon engineers roll out cheaper, less wasteful solar cells with inkjet printer

Oregon engineers roll out cheaper, less wasteful solar cells with inkjet printer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chalcopyriteChih-hung ChangChih-hungChangCIGS solar cellCigsSolarCellinkjetinkjet printerinkjet solarinkjet solar cellInkjetPrinterInkjetSolarInkjetSolarCellmanufacturingOregon State UniversityOregonStateUniversityphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellphotovoltaic cellsPhotovoltaicCellPhotovoltaicCellsprinted solar panePrintedSolarPaneproductionsolarsolar cellsolar cell productionSolarCellSolarCellProductionWed, 29 Jun 2011 01:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Mizzou Professor says nantenna solar sheet soaks up 90 percent of the sun's rays, puts sunscreen to shame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/mizzou-professor-says-nantenna-solar-sheet-soaks-up-90-percent-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/mizzou-professor-says-nantenna-solar-sheet-soaks-up-90-percent-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/mizzou-professor-says-nantenna-solar-sheet-soaks-up-90-percent-o/#comments Photovoltaics suffer from gross inefficiency, despite incremental improvements in their power producing capabilities. According to research by a team led by a University of Missouri professor, however, newly developed nantenna-equipped solar sheets can reap more than 90 percent of the sun's bounty -- which is more than double the efficiency of existing solar technologies. Apparently, some "special high-speed electrical circuitry" is the secret sauce behind the solar breakthrough. Of course, the flexible film is currently a flight of fancy and won't be generating juice for the public anytime soon. The professor and his pals still need capital for commercialization, but they believe a product will be ready within five years. Take your time, guys, it's not like global warming's getting worse.

[Image source: Idaho National Laboratory (PDF)]

Mizzou Professor says nantenna solar sheet soaks up 90 percent of the sun's rays, puts sunscreen to shame originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyefficiencyefficiency recordEfficiencyRecordefficientgreen techgreen technologyGreenTechGreenTechnologyIdaho National LaboratoryIdahoNationalLaboratoryinlresearchsciencesolarsolar cellsolar engergysolar powerSolarCellSolarEngergySolarPoweruniversity of missouriUniversityOfMissouriTue, 17 May 2011 07:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanocones make solar cells more efficient, sinister looking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/nanocones-make-solar-cells-more-efficient-sinister-looking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/nanocones-make-solar-cells-more-efficient-sinister-looking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/nanocones-make-solar-cells-more-efficient-sinister-looking/#comments Going green is de rigeur, so the sun is becoming a much-preferred source of power. However, solar cells' inefficient harvesting of heliacal energies is a major reason they haven't usurped the power of petroleum. Good thing the big brains at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are looking to change that with nanocone-based solar technology. The teeny-tiny cones are made of zinc oxide and create "an intrinsic electric field distribution" to improve electrical charge transport within solar cells. We aren't sure what that means, but we do know the prickly-looking design provides a 3.2 percent light-to-power conversion efficiency that's a substantial improvement over the meager 1.8 percent offered by today's flat photovoltaics made of similar materials. That's 80 percent more efficient, and 100 percent more awesome.

Nanocones make solar cells more efficient, sinister looking originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 May 2011 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyefficiencyefficientgreengreen techgreen technologyGreenTechGreenTechnologyoak ridge national laboratoryOakRidgeNationalLaboratoryornlresearchsciencesolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerSun, 01 May 2011 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Newly discovered properties of light promise better solar batteries, really great tans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/newly-discovered-properties-of-light-promise-better-solar-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/newly-discovered-properties-of-light-promise-better-solar-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/newly-discovered-properties-of-light-promise-better-solar-batter/#comments Are you tired of waking up to the same old semiconductor-based solar array? Do you yearn for a change? We know you do and, thanks again to the wonder and mystery of magnetic fields (they're not just for stopping speech anymore), there's a new day dawning. University of Michigan scientists were shooting lasers at glass, as they do, and made a remarkable discovery: light passing through a non-conductive surface like glass generates impressive magnetic effects - up to 100 million times greater than expected. The resulting magnetic force could replace the electric effect exploited by current technology, paving the way for "optical batteries." Though different from the Wysips transparent photovoltaic cell, the technology could have similar applications and may render obsolete those massive solar farms. No need to worry, though -- your stylish solar backpack is as fly as it ever was.

Newly discovered properties of light promise better solar batteries, really great tans originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellclean techCleanTechGreen Lightinggreen technologyGreenLightingGreenTechnologymagnetmagnetismmagnetsopticaloptical batteryOpticalBatterypowerRenewable EnergyRenewableEnergysolarsolar cellsolar cellsSolar PowerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPoweruniversity of michiganUniversityOfMichiganFri, 15 Apr 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Ralph Lauren's solar-panel backpack charges your phone in hours, your credit card in seconds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/ralph-laurens-solar-panel-backpack-charges-your-phone-in-hours/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/ralph-laurens-solar-panel-backpack-charges-your-phone-in-hours/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/ralph-laurens-solar-panel-backpack-charges-your-phone-in-hours/#comments We here at Engadget are in favor of hitting the books from time to time, but we can't have lame gadget-less backpacks hurting our true techie rep. That's why we're excited to see Ralph Lauren outing its first solar-equipped knapsack as part of its RLX sports line. Four solar cells around back harness the sun's power to generate 3.45 watts -- completely juicing up an iPhone in a purported two-to-three hours, assuming you've got "proper sunlight orientation," of course. Like the optional orange hue (it also comes in black), the sun-sucking cells aren't particularly low profile -- but for $800 don't you want something, uh, recognizable? Still, if you simply must be that guy be sure to hit the source link and don't look back, but for everyone else, might we recommend a portable USB charger for a little less coin?

Ralph Lauren's solar-panel backpack charges your phone in hours, your credit card in seconds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back packbackpackbackpackschargechargerknapsackpolopolo ralph laurenPoloRalphLaurenralph laurenRalphLaurenrlxsolarsolar cellsolar chargesolar chargingSolarCellSolarChargeSolarChargingMon, 11 Apr 2011 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/apple-patent-application-reveals-plans-for-external-battery-pack/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/apple-patent-application-reveals-plans-for-external-battery-pack/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/apple-patent-application-reveals-plans-for-external-battery-pack/#comments Way back in September of last year, Apple filed a patent-infringement suit against HyperMac, the folks behind these external batteries. At the time, it looked like Apple was protecting its patented MagSafe power connector, but a newly released USPTO application for a "Power Adapter with Internal Battery" might reveal a more accurate view of the company's litigious motivations. From the look of things, the outfit intends to make its mark on juicing solutions with what is basically a wall charger packing an internal battery. According to the patent filing, the contraption would include a processor for parceling energy to the host device as well as the adapter, and could also incorporate a supplemental energy source like a solar cell. Among other things, it would also communicate with the device being charged to allow users to monitor the juice stored in the extra battery. If the thing does end up making it to market, it looks like HyperMac could have a whole lot more trouble on its hands than a little patent-infringement suit.

Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleapple insiderAppleInsiderbatterychargingexternalexternal batteryexternal battery packExternalBatteryExternalBatteryPackhypermacmacmacbookmacbook proMacbookPropackpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationpatentspower adapterpower adapter with internal batteryPowerAdapterPowerAdapterWithInternalBatterysolarsolar cellSolarCellus patentus patent and trademark officeus patent officeus patentsUsPatentUsPatentAndTrademarkOfficeUsPatentOfficeUsPatentsUSPTOFri, 01 Apr 2011 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/#comments This definitely isn't the first time we've heard of wearable solar cells, but a new development underway in the UK could certainly have a greater impact than, say, an iPod-charging denim jacket. By combining photovoltaic cells with thermoelectric devices, a team of researchers is working to create new, more efficient uniforms for British troops. The solar-powered outfits could cut the weight of traditional battery packs in half, allow for significantly longer military missions, and actually absorb energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, decreasing the possibility of detection by infrared technology. To ensure 24-hour power, the solar cells will collect energy in daylight, with thermoelectric devices taking on the task at night. A prototype is set for 2013, but we wonder how long it will take to hit the catwalk.

Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery packBatteryPackbritainBritishcellsclothingenergymilitaryphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellPhotovoltaicCellphotovoltaicssolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar poweredsolar-poweredSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPoweredthermoelectricthermoelectricityUKuniformuniformsunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwarThu, 24 Mar 2011 03:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/wysips-wants-to-turn-your-phones-display-into-a-solar-cell-han/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/wysips-wants-to-turn-your-phones-display-into-a-solar-cell-han/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/wysips-wants-to-turn-your-phones-display-into-a-solar-cell-han/#comments We chatted with a fascinating French startup by the name of Wysips here at CTIA today that's showing off transparent photovoltaic film -- in other words, it generates power from light... and you can see right through it. It's the only such film in the world, apparently -- and though you can probably imagine a host of possible applications for something like that, turning the entire surface of a touchscreen smartphone into a self-sufficient, solar-powered beast is clearly high on the list. Read all about it after the break!

Gallery: Wysips hands-on

Continue reading Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video)

Wysips wants to turn your phone's display into a solar cell (hands-on with video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiactia 2011ctia wireless 2011Ctia2011CtiaWireless2011francefrenchhands-onpowersolarsolar cellsolar cellsSolarCellSolarCellsvideowysipsWed, 23 Mar 2011 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch will be on sale by end of 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/seikos-active-matrix-e-ink-watch-will-be-on-sale-by-end-of-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/seikos-active-matrix-e-ink-watch-will-be-on-sale-by-end-of-20/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/seikos-active-matrix-e-ink-watch-will-be-on-sale-by-end-of-20/#comments It's always good to see a concept, particularly one as appealing as Seiko's "active matrix" E Ink watch, make it to retail product. The company's had a thing for E Ink timepieces for a while now, but what sets this new one apart is the supposed 180-degree viewing angle it affords -- and, of course, those retro good looks do it no harm either. Then there's also the radio-controlled movement, which receives its time from the nearest atomic clock, and the solar cells framing that electrophoretic display. All very nice and neat, but the best news is that it might (might!) be priced within reach of regular Joes and Vlads like us. We'll know soon enough, a retail release is expected by the end of the year.

Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch will be on sale by end of 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active matrixActiveMatrixatomic clockatomic radioAtomicClockAtomicRadiodigital watchDigitalWatche inkEInkelectrophoretic displayElectrophoreticDisplayepdseikosolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerwatchwristwatchWed, 08 Sep 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Self-repairing solar cells could also fix our energy dependency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/self-repairing-solar-cells-could-also-fix-our-energy-dependency/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/self-repairing-solar-cells-could-also-fix-our-energy-dependency/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/self-repairing-solar-cells-could-also-fix-our-energy-dependency/#commentsSelf-repairing solar cells could also fix our energy dependencyIt doesn't take much for a photovoltaic cell to not work quite as well as it used to. Sure, a big hail storm or the like will do a number on your megabucks rooftop installation, but the sun itself, the very thing those cells are designed to capture, gradually damages their internals, reducing efficiency. The fix, according to a team at MIT, is self-assembling (and therefore self-repairing) solar cells made up of a synthetic molecular soup containing phospholipids that, when mixed with a solution, attach themselves to a series of carbon nanotubes for alignment. Other molecules that react with light then attach to the phospholipids and, with a little illumination, start firing out electrons like mad. After a few hours of solar pummeling the whole thing can be broken down and automatically re-created, returning efficiency to maximum. Overall efficiency of the system is extremely low currently, thanks to a low concentration of those photon-catching structures, but individually they capture about 40 percent of the light's energy, meaning a higher concentration could make for very hearty soup indeed.

Self-repairing solar cells could also fix our energy dependency originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergycarbon nanotubeCarbonNanotubemitphoto voltaicPhotoVoltaicpvsolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowervoltaicTue, 07 Sep 2010 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hama Zero's Solar Bike Fujin runs thanks to the sun, not on it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hama-zeros-solar-bike-fujin-runs-thanks-to-the-sun-not-on-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hama-zeros-solar-bike-fujin-runs-thanks-to-the-sun-not-on-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hama-zeros-solar-bike-fujin-runs-thanks-to-the-sun-not-on-it/#commentsHama Zero's Solar Bike Fujin runs thanks to the sun, not on it (video) Upon hearing the name "Solar Bike Fujin," designed by a Japanese space rover engineer, we leaned back in our chairs and dreamed up dramatic images of a futuristic bicycle dashing across the void before cruising the turbulent surface of the sun. However, when we watched the rest of the video below we realized that the bike will instead conquer rather more terrestrial routes at speeds well short of escape velocity (72km/h, or about 45mph). It is, however, powered by the sun, able to run 220km on a full charge or, thanks to its aerodynamicaly profiled solar wings, can give itself 50km worth of juice just by sitting in the sun while you put in your 9-to-5. This is helped by incredibly low rolling-resistance wheels, the front one able to keep rotating for 20 minutes on its own with just a gentle spin, technology borrowed from creator Mr. Yamawaki's Minerva rover that was part of the Hayabusa probe. Hopefully this bike manages to get a little further than that rover did.

Continue reading Hama Zero's Solar Bike Fujin runs thanks to the sun, not on it (video)

Hama Zero's Solar Bike Fujin runs thanks to the sun, not on it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeHama ZeroHamaZeromotorcyclescootersolarsolar bicycleSolar Bike Fujinsolar cellsolar poweredSolarBicycleSolarBikeFujinSolarCellSolarPoweredvideoThu, 05 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Grätzel, inventor of the dye-sensitized solar cell, wins 2010 Millennium Technology Prize (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/michael-gratzel-inventor-of-the-dye-sensitized-solar-cell-wins/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/michael-gratzel-inventor-of-the-dye-sensitized-solar-cell-wins/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/michael-gratzel-inventor-of-the-dye-sensitized-solar-cell-wins/#comments In 1991, a pair of scientists published a paper in Nature, detailing a intriguing new discovery: the dye-sensitized solar cell. Today, one of them won €800,000 for his efforts, and the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize. Michael Grätzel accepted the award for the low-cost solar cells that often bear his name, and which make possible the sunglasses, windows and iPhone patents we seem to spot every few days. Hear the good professor speak about his invention in a video after the break.

Continue reading Michael Grätzel, inventor of the dye-sensitized solar cell, wins 2010 Millennium Technology Prize (video)

Michael Grätzel, inventor of the dye-sensitized solar cell, wins 2010 Millennium Technology Prize (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSSCdyedye-sensitized solar cellDye-sensitizedSolarCellGratzelGratzel cellGratzelCellMichael GratzelMichael GrätzelMichaelGratzelMichaelGrätzelMillennium TechnologyMillennium Technology PrizeMillenniumTechnologyMillenniumTechnologyPrizeprizesciencesolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPowervideoThu, 10 Jun 2010 03:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetyo's HDV-T900 solar-powered camcorder will capture only your brightest holiday memories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/25/jetyos-hdv-t900-solar-powered-camcorder-will-capture-only-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/25/jetyos-hdv-t900-solar-powered-camcorder-will-capture-only-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/25/jetyos-hdv-t900-solar-powered-camcorder-will-capture-only-your/#commentsJetyo's HDV-T900 solar-powered camcorder will capture only your brightest holiday memories (video) This traditionally-shaped camcorder may not be ergonomically friendly, but it is environmentally friendly -- ostensibly, anyway. It's the HDV-T900 from Jetyo, a 720p30 model that records to SDHC memory cards through what appears to be a fixed zoom lens (its specs promise only an 8x digital zoom). The thing that makes this a conversation piece is the solar cell on the backside of the three-inch LCD display. It's hardly encouraging that the company's site doesn't say anything about how quickly it recharges the 4 AA batteries used for power, or indeed how long those batteries can power the thing in the first place. But, the site does say the current from the solar cell is 120mA, so we can do the math. Assuming you're using something like 2,500mAh AA rechargeable cells, you're looking at about 25 hours of sunlight to recharge one battery and there are, of course, four used here. Hey, sounds like a good excuse to extend your vacation to us.

Jetyo's HDV-T900 solar-powered camcorder will capture only your brightest holiday memories originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720p720p camcorder720p30720pCamcorderHDV-T900jetyoJetyo HDV-T900JetyoHdv-t900solarsolar cellsolar-powersolar-poweredSolarCellSun, 25 Apr 2010 02:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Subretinal implant successfully tested on humans, makes blind narrowly see]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/subretinal-implant-successfully-tested-on-humans-makes-blind-na/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/subretinal-implant-successfully-tested-on-humans-makes-blind-na/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/subretinal-implant-successfully-tested-on-humans-makes-blind-na/#comments
How many scientists does it take to properly install a lightbulb? When that lightbulb is an implant that stimulates retinal photoreceptors to restore one's sight, quite a few -- even if they disagree whether said implant should be placed on top of the retina (requiring glasses to supply power and video feed) or underneath, using photocells to channel natural sunlight. Now, a German firm dubbed Retina Implant has scored a big win for the subretinal solution with a three-millimeter, 1,500 pixel microchip that gives patients a 12 degree field of view. Conducting human trials with 11 patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, the company successfully performed operations on seven, with one even managing to distinguish between similar objects (knife, fork, spoon) and perform very basic reading. Though usual disclaimers apply -- the tech is still a long way off, it only works on folks who've slowly lost their vision, etc. -- this seems like a step in the right direction, and at least one man now knows which direction that is.

Subretinal implant successfully tested on humans, makes blind narrowly see originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindblindnessclinical trialclinical trialsClinicalTrialClinicalTrialseyeeyesightimplantresearchretinaRetina ImplantRetinaImplantretinal implantRetinalImplantretinitis pigmentosaRetinitisPigmentosasightsight restorationSightRestorationsolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPowersubretinalvisionSat, 20 Mar 2010 08:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Casio's solar-powered Pathfinder watch plays the green card twice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/casios-solar-powered-pathfinder-watch-plays-the-green-card-twic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/casios-solar-powered-pathfinder-watch-plays-the-green-card-twic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/casios-solar-powered-pathfinder-watch-plays-the-green-card-twic/#commentsPlotting their latest spread of watches this spring, Casio executives decided it was time to "go green." Some poor schmuck in R&D took them at their word. Thankfully for mother nature, the Casio Pathfinder PRG110C-3 is more than meets the eye; the watch -- suited for argonauts needing an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and digital compass -- also has a miniature solar cell built into its face to automatically recharge the battery. Though Casio's claim that this last will cut down on the three billion batteries Americans trash each year seems a little reaching -- watch batteries last a lot longer than a AA -- the timepiece does help the planet some merely by being packaged in recyclables. The $250 device will be available exclusively from Amazon, and yeah, the color you see here is the color you'll get.

Casio's solar-powered Pathfinder watch plays the green card twice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatteryCasioCasio PathfinderCasio Pathfinder PRG110C-3CasioPathfinderCasioPathfinderPrg110c-3conservatione-wasteeco-friendlyEnvironmentallyFriendlygreenPRG110C-3rechargeablerechargeable batteryRechargeableBatterysolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar panelsolar panelssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPanelSolarPanelsSolarPowertimepiecetimepieceswatchwatchesFri, 19 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Snowflake-shaped photovoltaic cells bring the holiday cheer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/snowflake-shaped-photovoltaic-cells-bring-the-holiday-cheer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/snowflake-shaped-photovoltaic-cells-bring-the-holiday-cheer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/snowflake-shaped-photovoltaic-cells-bring-the-holiday-cheer/#comments
Sandia National Laboratories have unveiled their newest photovoltaic cells -- glitter-sized particles made of crystalline silicon. The cells are made using common microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems techniques, and the results are pretty spectacular to behold. More interestingly, however, is the fact that they use 100 times less material in generating the same amount of energy as a regular solar cell.

Because of their size and shape, the cells are well-suited to unusual applications, and researchers envision mass-production of the cells for use on building-integrated tents or clothing, so campers (or military personnel) could recharge their cell phones on the go. Researchers also think that these particles will be inexpensive to produce, but there's no word on when they'll be ready for consumer application. We'll keep you posted -- but hit the source link for more a more detailed description.

Snowflake-shaped photovoltaic cells bring the holiday cheer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothingelectricityenergyphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellPhotovoltaicCellphotovoltaicspowersnowflakesolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerThu, 24 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bacteria taught to spin microscopic gears right round, could make for better solar panels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/bacteria-taught-to-spin-microscopic-gears-right-round-could-mak/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/bacteria-taught-to-spin-microscopic-gears-right-round-could-mak/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/bacteria-taught-to-spin-microscopic-gears-right-round-could-mak/#commentsBacteria taught to spin microscopic gears right round, could make for better solar panels With a name like Bacillus subtilis and a size of five microns you probably wouldn't expect much in the way of heavy lifting, but don't let first impressions fool you. This tiny organism has been taught by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory to spin little gears that weigh one million times more than the bacteria themselves -- that'd be like you lifting both an original Xbox and a PS3 at the same time! Applications are, apparently, endless, but the one that caught our eye involves photovoltaics able to "snag lots of photons from the sun." You know what that means: more juice for your Prius so you can crank that Dead or Alive CD guilt-free.

Bacteria taught to spin microscopic gears right round, could make for better solar panels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonneargonne national laboratoryArgonneNationalLaboratorybacillus subtilisBacillusSubtilisbacteriaphotovoltaicsolar cellSolarCellMon, 21 Dec 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp solar cell sets Conversion Efficiency record]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/sharp-solar-cell-sets-conversion-efficiency-record/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/sharp-solar-cell-sets-conversion-efficiency-record/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/sharp-solar-cell-sets-conversion-efficiency-record/#comments
The kids at Sharp have a long history of solar power development and research -- something which is evident in the solar cells they've attached to everything from televisions to cellphones. Always moving onward and upwards, the company is now announcing that it's achieved a title-holding 35.8 percent cell conversion efficiency through the use of a triple-junction compound cell. Mainly used on satellites, the triple-junction cell uses three photo-absorption layers and materials (such as indium gallium arsenide) to boost efficiency. This is all good news indeed for both people anticipating better solar devices and fans of solar research in general -- and great news for the people that make those 18 foot tall "solar flowers." PR after the break.

[Via Akihabara]

Continue reading Sharp solar cell sets Conversion Efficiency record

Sharp solar cell sets Conversion Efficiency record originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>researchresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentsharpsolarsolar cellsolar energysolar powerSolarCellSolarEnergySolarPowerFri, 23 Oct 2009 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA on the lookout for robotic 'power skin']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/darpa-on-the-lookout-for-robotic-power-skin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/darpa-on-the-lookout-for-robotic-power-skin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/darpa-on-the-lookout-for-robotic-power-skin/#comments
DARPA has put out an RFI for something called Power Skin. The technology is conceived as a structural material that would provide "its own day and night power... to be used as an independent power source and, simultaneously, serve as the structural material" for robots (see our conceptual rendering above) and unmanned aerial vehicles. Ultimately, the military-industrial complex would like to see you develop something that would allow the aforementioned UAVs "indefinite flight endurance," although they'd be totally into it if you could demonstrate continuous flight for a mere four days. We're fairly certain that some of our more clever readers have already developed this technology, so why don't you hit the read link and see if you can't make a few bucks off it? Tell 'em Engadget sent you.

[Via The Register]

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DARPA on the lookout for robotic 'power skin' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpadefensepower skinPowerSkinsolarsolar cellSolarCellUAVThu, 09 Apr 2009 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby steps: new solar cell efficiency record isn't awe-inspiring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/baby-steps-new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-isnt-awe-inspiring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/baby-steps-new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-isnt-awe-inspiring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/baby-steps-new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-isnt-awe-inspiring/#comments
Granted, we've no idea what it takes to really push the efficiency level of a solar cell, but we're getting pretty bored with these incremental improvements year after year. If you'll recall, the record for solar cell efficiency sat at 40.7 percent in 2006, and that was raised to an amazing 40.8 percent last August. Today, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have announced an all new milestone: 41.1 percent efficiency. According to team head Frank Dimroth, the crew is simply "elated by this breakthrough." Meanwhile, the rest of planet Earth is suddenly depressed by the thought of perishing from old age before this data point ever breaks the big five-oh.

[Via Gizmag]

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Baby steps: new solar cell efficiency record isn't awe-inspiring originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyeco-friendlyefficiencyEfficiency RecordefficientenergyFraunhoferFraunhofer ISEFraunhoferIsegreenphotovoltaicsciencesolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar energySolarCellSolarCellsSolarEnergySolarPowerworld recordWorldRecordTue, 27 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create solar tie that charges, carries cellphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/#comments
There's certainly no shortage of folks working to incorporate solar cells into clothing and accessories, but a team of researchers from Iowa State University now look to have devised a way to make the wearable technology slightly more discreet, with them using digital textile printing to print fabric that matches the pattern of the solar cells. The solar cells themselves are then attached using a "liquid stitch" method, although that apparently presented its own set of problems, as the application of the cells made it difficult to tie a knot. As the researchers helpfully point out in thier paper, however, a clip-on tie would solve that problem. Combine that with the special pouch for carrying your cellphone, and you've got a combo that can't be beat.

[Via textually.org]

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Researchers create solar tie that charges, carries cellphone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesclothingiowa stateiowa state universityIowaStateIowaStateUniversitymobilesolarsolar cellsolar panelsolar powersolar tieSolarCellSolarPanelSolarPowerSolarTieMon, 18 Aug 2008 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create solar tie that charges, carries cellphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/18/researchers-create-solar-tie-that-charges-carries-cellphone/#comments
There's certainly no shortage of folks working to incorporate solar cells into clothing and accessories, but a team of researchers from Iowa State University now look to have devised a way to make the wearable technology slightly more discreet, with them using digital textile printing to print fabric that matches the pattern of the solar cells. The solar cells themselves are then attached using a "liquid stitch" method, although that apparently presented its own set of problems, as the application of the cells made it difficult to tie a knot. As the researchers helpfully point out in thier paper, however, a clip-on tie would solve that problem. Combine that with the special pouch for carrying your cellphone, and you've got a combo that can't be beat.

[Via textually.org]

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Researchers create solar tie that charges, carries cellphone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothingiowa stateiowa state universityIowaStateIowaStateUniversitysolarsolar cellsolar panelsolar powersolar tieSolarCellSolarPanelSolarPowerSolarTieMon, 18 Aug 2008 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[New solar cell efficiency record (barely) achieved at 40.8%]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-barely-achieved-at-40-8/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-barely-achieved-at-40-8/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/new-solar-cell-efficiency-record-barely-achieved-at-40-8/#commentsJust under two years ago, researchers at Boeing-Spectrolab managed to achieve 40.7% solar cell efficiency. Two years later, scientists at the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory have demonstrated their nerve by trumpeting an all new world record... one that's 0.1% points better than the last. Yes, your new record now sits at 40.8% -- tremendous progress, wouldn't you say? Looking outside of the numbers, you'll find that these cells differ "significantly" from the prior record holders, which enable them to be thinner, lighter, cheaper and altogether swanker. That's it for now folks -- come back in a couple years, we hear 40.9% is just around the bend.

[Via CNET]

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New solar cell efficiency record (barely) achieved at 40.8% originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyefficiencyEfficiency RecordEfficiencyRecordefficientenergyNRELphotovoltaicsciencesolarsolar cellsolar powersolar-poweredSolarCellSolarPowerworld recordWorldRecordFri, 15 Aug 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese consortium disguises solar cells as leaves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/japanese-consortium-disguises-solar-cells-as-leaves/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/japanese-consortium-disguises-solar-cells-as-leaves/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/japanese-consortium-disguises-solar-cells-as-leaves/#comments
We've already seen a number of attempts to more seamlessly integrate solar cells into everyday environments, but none have quite gone as far as this latest prototype from the folks at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Mitsubishi, and Tokki Corp. As you can see above, they've come up with a solution that shouldn't look too out of place nestled in with some actual foliage, with a special protective film encapsulating each of the solar models to ensure they stand up to the outdoors. The institute (no stranger to unique concepts) apparently isn't stopping there, however, saying that it also has plans to expand its use of organic thin-film solar cells into other areas where design is important, including walls, windows, clothing, and livingware, to name but a few.

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Japanese consortium disguises solar cells as leaves originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AISTsolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerWed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers tout spreadable, self-powered OLEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/researchers-tout-spreadable-self-powered-oleds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/researchers-tout-spreadable-self-powered-oleds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/researchers-tout-spreadable-self-powered-oleds/#commentsIt looks like we could one day be buying our OLED displays by the jar or the bucket-full, at least if some researchers from Sumitomo Chemical and Mitsubishi Chemical have their way. They're now working on what they describe as "spreadable" OLEDs, which could either be spread or "painted" on virtually any surface, leaving an OLED screen that would be just 100nm thick. As if that wasn't enough, the spreadable concoction would also double as a solar panel that'd keep the OLEDs powered, something that's apparently possible due to the "similar, but opposite, principles" that OLEDs and solar cells work on. What's more, while the two companies are apparently still in the early stages of research, they say they're aiming to have usable prototypes ready within the next two years.

[Via OLED Info]

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Researchers tout spreadable, self-powered OLEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 May 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishioledsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerspreadable oledSpreadableOledsumitomoThu, 15 May 2008 17:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Massachusetts company develops inkjet-printed solar panels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/massachussetts-company-develops-inkjet-printed-solar-panels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/massachussetts-company-develops-inkjet-printed-solar-panels/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/massachussetts-company-develops-inkjet-printed-solar-panels/#commentsPrinted solar cell tech keeps getting closer and closer to reality, with a Massachusetts company called Konarka Technologies today announcing that it's now able to manufacture solar cells using inkjet printing. There's not a ton of information available about the process, but Konarka's already demonstrated it and published details in a trade journal called Advanced Materials -- which sounds like scintillating reading, if you ask us. Konarka says the process makes fabbing solar panels extremely easy, since it doesn't require a clean room, and the resulting cost reductions could lead to an increased number of applications for solar power. Of course, the economics of inkjet printing have lured more than one company to the dark side -- we wonder if Konarka is eventually going to start selling solar ink cartridges for more than the printers themselves?

[Via The Raw Feed]

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Massachusetts company develops inkjet-printed solar panels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Penn State researchers are taking a cue from nature and have built the first solar cell that can effectively split water to harvest the hydrogen. While the technology and efficiency of electricity-gathering solar cells has been humming on nicely, cells that can pull hydrogen out of water directly (instead of using solar-harvested electricity to do it) have found that the catalysts conducive to separating hydrogen and oxygen are usually pretty good at putting the two gases right back together again. The folks at Penn State have now developed a process that more closely mimics the photosynthesis process in plants, and while we won't pretend to understand all the nitty gritty of dye usage and other such nonsense, we do know that such a system could eventually attain 15% or so efficiency, providing a nice and clean way to gather power for that fuel cell car of the future.

[Image courtesy of MTU.edu]

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New solar cell cuts out the middle man, harvests hydrogen from water originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellhydrogenpenn statePennStatesolarsolar cellSolarCellMon, 18 Feb 2008 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create printed solar cells]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/researchers-create-printed-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/researchers-create-printed-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/researchers-create-printed-solar-cells/#commentsWe've seen a lot of attempts to cut the costs of solar cells, but a team in Japan has managed to create an inexpensive flexible cell that's as thin as a sheet of paper using what they describe as traditional printing techniques. The team, composed of researchers from Toin University in Yokohama and private firm Fujimori Kogyo, managed to eliminate the expensive silicon component of regular solar cells, reducing thickness to just .4mm (.015 inches), and allowing a factory to pump out reams of the material every month -- enough to generate 10 megawatts of juice. That's actually a fairly low estimate, as the cells are only at 6% efficiency right now, but we can imagine that number shooting upwards after they start shipping in February.

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Researchers create printed solar cells originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The race to build a cheaper solar cell continues to produce results, as researchers at Ohio State have developed a nanotech solar cell with a unique pink color that they say will one day be able to produce as much power as traditional silicon cells for a quarter of the cost. The dye-sensitive solar cells, or DSSCs, get their pink color from a mixture of ruthenium and either titanium or zinc oxide particles that absorb sunlight, while nanowires link the particles to provide power transfer. So far the team have gotten the cells to produce half as much power as traditional cells, but the next step is to start using nanowire "trees" to improve efficiency to equal or surpass those levels. No word on when we'll see this tech hit the market, but surely the prospect of a hot pink solar Cadillac isn't too far off.

[Photo is of an unrelated DSSC concept from New Zealand]

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Pink solar cells provide green power on the cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The quest to builder a better, cheaper solar cell continues on, as researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology have developed a new type of solar cell that can be printed or painted onto flexible plastic sheets. Unlike traditional silicon cells, the print-on cells are composed of carbon nanotubes and buckyballs, which results in substantially cheaper manufacturing costs and greater efficiency, since apparently carbon nanotubes are terrific conductors. The scientists seem pretty pumped about the potential for their tech, with lead researcher Somenath Mitra quite confidently proclaiming that we'll all soon be printing "sheets of these solar cells with inexpensive home-based inkjet printers." Yeah, we're sure there won't be any shenanigans going on in that ink cartridge market.

[Via Inhabitat]

Researchers develop "paint-on" solar cells originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyprintable solar cellPrintableSolarCellrenewablesolarsolar cellSolarCellMon, 23 Jul 2007 23:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean researchers develop uber-cheap solar cells]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/14/korean-researchers-develop-uber-cheap-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/14/korean-researchers-develop-uber-cheap-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/14/korean-researchers-develop-uber-cheap-solar-cells/#comments
We'll go ahead and hand it to Spectrolab for crafting such an immensely efficient solar cell without regard to cost, but a team of Korean researchers have reportedly conjured up a rendition of their own that, you know, would actually be feasible to commercialize in the not too distant future. The team -- led by Lee Kwang-hee of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology -- has reportedly created a diminutive plastic solar cell that touts "6.5-percent efficiency," and while that number pales in comparison to other alternatives, it's the pricetag that's of interest here. Apparently, existing solar cells that use silicon semiconductors cost around "$2.30 to generate one watt of electricity," whereas this group's solution costs just ten cents per watt. Better yet, plans are already in motion to increase efficiency up to 15-percent, after which we could see these things hitting the marketplace at large "by 2012."

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Korean researchers develop uber-cheap solar cells originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyefficiencyefficientelectricityenergykoreapowerresearchsolarsolar cellSolarCellsouth koreaSouthKoreaSat, 14 Jul 2007 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Spectrolab designs highly efficient solar cell]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/16/spectrolab-designs-highly-efficient-solar-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/16/spectrolab-designs-highly-efficient-solar-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/16/spectrolab-designs-highly-efficient-solar-cell/#commentsWhile we certainly applaud the designers at Spectrolab for developing a solar cell that's reportedly "twice as efficient as typical rooftop solar panels," we're stifling most of our excitement until it actually leaves the laboratory. Nevertheless, the Boeing subsidiary has apparently cranked out a cell that utilizes metamorphic materials and is "designed for photovoltaic systems that use lenses and mirrors to concentrate the sun's rays onto small, high-efficiency solar cells." The unique semiconductors used are said to resemble ones that adorn satellites and planetary landers, and can capture three layers of the solar spectrum versus the single layer that traditional solar panels collect. Unfortunately, it seems that the eventual goals for this thing are rather ho hum, as the crew only expects the cells to hit 45-percent efficiency within the next six or so years. C'mon folks, you've already got alternatives at 40.

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Spectrolab designs highly efficient solar cell originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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