Fujitsu Unveils New Solar Hybrid Technology

Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd has announced the development of a new hybrid energy harvesting system that generates electricity from either heat or light using a single device.

While other similar hybrid technologies usually combine two devices, Fujitsu Laboratories developed an organic material that is suitable for a generator in both photovoltaic and thermoelectric modes.

By changing the electrical circuits connecting two types of semiconductor materials - P-type and N-type semiconductors - the device can function as a solar cell or thermoelectric generator. The material can produce power from even indoor lighting in photovoltaic mode, and from heat in thermoelectric mode. If either the ambient light or heat is not sufficient to power the sensor on their own, the technology could draw on bother both sources simultaneously.

Since the organic material and its process cost are inexpensive, production costs can be greatly reduced.

Fujitsu Unveils New Solar Hybrid Technology : Renewable Energy News :