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The
shadow-effect energy generator (SEG) being developed by the
National University of Singapore has the potential to harness
power like solar cells, but without needing open spaces with
uninterrupted light.
To work effectively, the SEG requires both light and dark and,
like solar panels, relies on light to shine on silicon to
energise electrons.
However, using panels that feature a thin layer of either gold,
silver, platinum or tungsten, the difference in light intensity
drives electrons from lit areas towards the shade, creating
electricity in the shaded areas.
"Our shadow effect generator comes in handy. It can be placed in
those areas to harvest obstructed light," said research team
leader Dr Swee Ching Tan.
The research is still in its early stages yet Tan's team is
already thinking about the potential of establishing a company
to make SEG available for home use.
The panels the team have been testing are about 6 sq cm in size
and capable of producing just 0.25 volts, meaning about 20 are
needed to power a light bulb, or charge a cellphone.
The ideal environment for use would be cities, Tan said, with
constantly shifting levels of light and shade throughout the day
from clusters of tall buildings and the sun's changing position
in the sky.
"It's not practical to place solar cells in such cities. So the
device might come in handy in places like very densely populated
cities, where skyscrapers are everywhere, where shadows are
always persistent," Tan said.
(Reporting by Joseph Campbell; Editing by Martin Petty and
Christopher Cushing)
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