July 11, 2021
Stanford University has created a device that uses a thermoelectric module to generate voltage and current from the temperature difference between the cell and the air, allowing us to generate electricity even at night.
The new system captures the heat escaping from the Earth.
One of the great advantages of this new system is that it can be incorporated into existing solar panels, making implementation more appealing.
As is clear, energy production at night is lower than that achieved during the day.
However, it allows for small uses, such as powering lighting.
Now, if the first prototype generates 50 mW/m2, lighting a house would require about 20 square meters of photovoltaic area.
The team acknowledges that there is much room for improvement in their project, and reveals that they now intend to optimize its thermal insulation and thermoelectric components.