Researchers at the University of Michigan have unveiled their latest breakthrough: a tiny solar power system that contains a processor, battery and solar cells all in 9 cubic millimeters!
The miniature system measures 2.5 by 3.5 by 1 millimeters -- 1,000 times smaller than any comparable commercial system. It's extremely energy efficient and the scientists say that it could almost operate perpetually if the battery didn't have to be replaced after many years.
The system uses an ARM processor, a popular, widely-used processor which will make commercial adoption of this technology much easier.
The system could be remodeled to generate power from movement or heat instead of light, making it fit for a variety of uses. Like the small, flexible kinetic-energy harvester we profiled a last month, the scientists also see this device serving as a power source for medical implants like pacemakers. Other possibilities include powering environmental sensors that track air and water quality and motion sensors for buildings, homes and bridges.
The good news is that the researchers are already working on commercially developing the system. With a host of possible applications, who knows where this itty bitty power generator might end up.
"pzt-rubber A new material developed by researchers at Princeton and Caltech is capable of harvesting energy from the simplest of movements like walking or breathing. This new rubber chip made of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) nanoribbons could eventually power small portable electronic devices like cell phones. The PZT is embedded in silicone rubber sheets that produce electricity when flexed or other pressure is applied. The scientists who developed the chip see them being inserted into shoes or even within the body to continually harness power for our portable devices. Before that freaks you out too much, the scientists envision the chips being placed next to the lungs to utilize breathing motions for powering pacemakers. Pacemaker users wouldn't have to undergo surgery to replace batteries since their breathing would be a constant source of energy. The reason this particular material stands out compared to all of the other piezoelectric materials out there is that it's far more efficient. According to the researchers, PZT can convert 80 percent of mechanical energy applied to it into electric energy, which is 100 times more efficient than quartz. That efficiency allows it to harness such small movements like breathing and opens up a much greater range of possibilities for its use."