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.
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