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Energy innovation: Solar panels that work at night, the energy solution of the future. Generate electricity even without the sun
Companies linked to the energy industry are dedicating their resources and efforts to constantly seek new and innovative ways to generate energy with as few resources as possible, especially through painéis solares.
This quest for efficiency and sustainability has led one group in particular to create a solar panel that works without light.
An invention that will change the future of energy companies
The world of solar energy took a monumental leap forward when a group of experts managed to capture global attention by developing photovoltaic panels that work not only during the day but also during the night. This unprecedented technological feat left everyone in awe.
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Most conventional solar panels can only generate electricity when they receive direct sunlight, which makes the discovery by researcher Sid Assawaworrarit and his team of engineers at Stanford University truly groundbreaking.
Their achievement represents an unprecedented novelty in the field of solar energy, as they have developed a solar panel capable of working effectively even at night. This revolutionary capability challenges previously accepted limitations of solar energy.
The Assawaworrarit team implemented an innovative strategy using a thermoelectric generator together with conventional solar panels. This combination allowed them to control the temperature of the panels in relation to the environment. They took advantage of the clear nights in California, where the favorable climate made it easier for the infrared light stored in the panels to disperse into the air, offering an additional source of energy at night.
During the night, the device takes advantage of the heat that escapes from the Earth towards space, energy that is in the same order of magnitude as the incoming solar radiation during the day. At night, solar cells radiate heat, which is lost in the sky, and reach temperatures a few degrees below that of the ambient air.
The device under development uses a thermoelectric module to generate electrical voltage and current from the temperature gradient between the cell and the air. This process is achieved thanks to the system's thermal design, which includes a hot and cold side.
The electricity generated at night by this means is much less than that generated during the day by solar radiation, but it is sufficient to provide lighting for the home. The team has already proven that these solar cells with a thermoelectric module work as expected day and night.
These were the results of their beneficial solar panel energy study
This clever approach improved the efficiency of the panels even in low light conditions, opening up new possibilities for 24-hour continuous solar power generation, making it a completely revolutionary discovery.
Assawaworrarit and his team achieved the production of 50 milliwattsh/m2 on the solar panel as a result of your strategy. Although they believe that under ideal conditions they could generate even more energy. Despite this, the power obtained does not compare to that of a panel exposed directly to sunlight, which varies between 250W and 300W.
The idea of nighttime photovoltaic panels is interesting and could offer an alternative solution for generating power in situations where direct sunlight is not available, such as in areas with extreme weather conditions or in places where sunlight does not reach during certain times. of the year, as in polar regions during winter.
However, it is important to consider several technical and practical aspects before determining the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology. For example, a robust energy storage system would be needed to accumulate energy generated during the day for use at night.
The goal that will end solar panel batteries
According to Interesting Engineering, these panels could be used to power environmental sensors, even in remote areas. This application would open up the possibility of supplying energy to devices located in difficult-to-access places, ensuring their continuous operation and without the need for human intervention to replace batteries.
By eliminating the need for batteries, reduces the amount of materials used and the need to replace them periodically, which in turn reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of devices.
By not relying on batteries, the problem of battery-related waste is also eliminated, which further contributes to sustainability. With a virtually infinite lifespan, solar panels could become a key part of a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
