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Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed an innovative technology that allows for the generation of solar power even after the sun has set. This breakthrough could soon enable homes to be powered at by solar energy at night, transforming how we think about renewable energy.
The team’s technology is based on thermoradiative power generation, which exploits the temperature difference between the warmth of Earth’s surface and the low temperatures of space. Using the way the Earth emits infrared radiation, the researchers designed a device that uses a semiconductor to capture this outgoing radiation and convert it into electricity, similar to the way solar power generation works.
The key component, a thermoradiative diode, utilizes materials similar to those found in night-vision goggles. Dr. Phoebe Pearce explains that just as solar cells absorb sunlight from the hot sun, this diode generates electricity by emitting infrared light into a colder environment. While the current efficiency of the technology is low—producing electricity 100,000 times less than a traditional solar panel—the team views this as a promising initial demonstration.
Potential applications for this technology are vast. The researchers suggest it could be used in wearables and satellites, helping to eliminate reliance on batteries in devices. Team Lead Ned Ekins-Daukes said to ABC that this technology could potentially harvest energy from body heat, removing the need for batteries in certain devices.
Furthermore, the team plans to adapt the thermoradiative diode for spacecraft, addressing challenges faced by satellites in low Earth orbit that often rely on batteries during times of darkness. With plans to test the technology in space within the next two years, this breakthrough could herald a future where renewable energy is available 24/7, ensuring homes can be powered even when the sun is down, using nothing but Earth’s own radiant heat.
