Scientists in Singapore have developed innovative technology that can convert radio frequency signals into electricity, which could lead to devices that do not require batteries.
Energy from the Aether
Energy Harvesting Breakthrough
Team Researchers under the auspices of the National University of Singapore have made significant breakthroughs in the field of energy harvesting. Their innovation could potentially eliminate the need for batteries for a variety of electronic devices.
New type of converter
Scientists have created a unique rectifier that can efficiently convert ambient radio frequency signals, usually considered "useless", into useful DC voltage. This technology converts radio signals from Wi-Fi and mobile networks into usable electricity.
Importance of technology
According to the creators, such methods of collecting radio frequency energy are extremely important. They reduce dependence on batteries, increase device operating time, minimize the negative impact on the environment, and expand the use of wireless sensor networks and IoT devices in hard-to-reach locations where regular battery replacement is difficult.
Technical details
Research has shown the possibility of using nano-sized rectifiers for this conversion. Success has been achieved even at low RF power levels (less than -20 dBm). This was achieved by optimizing the rectifiers and combining them into an energy assembly module. The resulting energy was sufficient to power LEDs and a commercial temperature sensor. The 10 optimized rectifier array demonstrated an impressive 7.8% efficiency and high sensitivity.
Development Outlook
The research team is currently working on integrating an on-chip antenna to further improve the efficiency and compactness of their design. Researchers are also exploring series-parallel connections and on-chip communications to improve RF power harvesting. The goal is to generate sufficient voltage without the need for a DC amplifier.
Glossary
- Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network technology with devices based on IEEE standards 802.11.
- IoT (Internet of Things) is the concept of a computing network of physical objects equipped with built-in technologies for interacting with each other or with the external environment.
- The National University of Singapore is the oldest and largest higher education institution in Singapore, one of the leading universities in Asia.
- dBm is a unit of measurement of power in decibels relative to 1 milliwatt.
- An LED is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it.
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Discussion of the topic – Energy revolution: Wi-Fi signals turn into electricity
Singaporean scientists have developed an innovative rectifier that can convert radio frequency signals into electricity, which could lead to the elimination of the use of batteries in electronic devices.
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Isabella
Wow, this is simply incredible! 😮 Imagine how the world will change when we can power devices from surrounding radio signals. No more dead phones at the most inopportune moments!
Hans
Yes, Isabella, that's really impressive. I was especially interested in the possibility of use in remote areas. This could revolutionize environmental monitoring and agriculture! 🌱🌍
Sophie
I totally agree! Have you thought about the environmental aspect? Fewer batteries means less waste. This is a huge step towards sustainable development! 🌿
Giovanni
Sophie, you're right about the environment. But what impresses me most is the technical side. 7.8% efficiency at such a low power level is simply incredible! 🤓 I wonder how far this can be developed?
Helmut
Ha, another fashionable thing. Do you really believe this will change the world? The batteries have lasted for decades and are fine. Why complicate simple things? 🙄
Pierre
Helmut, I understand your skepticism, but technology does not stand still. Imagine how this could help in medicine - implantable devices that work without replacing batteries! This is a breakthrough! 🏥💡
Olena
Pierre, great idea about medicine! And imagine how this can help in emergency situations. Communication devices that work without recharging can save lives! 🆘📱
Isabella
You guys all raised great points! I'm just excited about the potential of this technology. I wonder how soon we will see it in our everyday devices? Maybe in a couple of years our smartphones will be charged via Wi-Fi? 😃📲