Nighttime electricity generation on solarPV via thermal radiation

[dan_b]

This is some pretty interesting looking early-stage research

https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0085205


From the abstract "Here, we construct a device, which incorporates a thermoelectric generator that harvests electricity from the temperature difference between the PV cell and the ambient surrounding. We achieve 50 mW/m2 nighttime power generation with a clear night sky, with an open-circuit voltage of 100 mV, which is orders of magnitude higher as compared with previous demonstrations. During the daytime, the thermoelectric generator also provides additional power on top of the electric power generated directly from the PV cells. Our system can be used as a continuous renewable power source for both day- and nighttime in off-grid locations.

[Stinsy]

That really is a minuscule amount of energy!

[dan_b]

It is at the moment, but it wasn't that long ago that the idea of LEDs being bright enough to replace incandescent bulbs was a pipe-dream, or for batteries to have a high enough energy density to power passenger cars over 300 miles....

[marshman]

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