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Solar Powered Cellphone

— September 10, 2006 — Lifestyle
This is an innovation in the making that goes one better than a previously reported
solar powered mobile phone charger. The actual mobile phone itself will be permanently switched on, using device-integrated, high efficiency solar cells.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, researchers' have taken the lead and are working on micro power engineering solutions and concepts such as "energy-harvesting" to provide the mobile power needed by modern communications devices.

"Energy-harvesting" is an attempt to harness power from multiple energy resources found in the environment of the mobile device through light, heat or motion. The movement of a users wrist can generate a heat flow source. Scientists are using this as well as flat micro-fuel cells and energy storage technology to improve operating times and standards on all mobile devices.

The more complex communication devices become (throw in Tv and Video streaming now), the more battery power is needed, current battery offerings just aren't lasting long enough to satisfy our 24 hour taste for mobile information.

Article quote
"Each new generation of portable electronic devices incorporates new data acquisition and processing capabilities, and transfer speeds have meanwhile become fast enough to stream movies or soccer matches. But this comes at a price in terms of operating time."

Power Management will become key in providing a self-sufficient hand held device which can link the energy delivered by batteries, solar cells, thermoelectrics or fuel cells in a device. Once the battery source of power becomes depleted the system will switch to fuel cells, in the meantime solar cells will continuously recharge the battery whenever light conditions are favourable. A permanently switched on Solution!

More good news is that all this energy producing technology will be available for your MP3 Players, Laptops and PDA's as well as your Mobile Phone!
Trend Themes
1. Energy-harvesting - The concept of harnessing power from multiple energy resources found in the environment of mobile devices through light, heat, or motion provides opportunities for disruptive innovation.
2. Micro Power Engineering - Utilizing micro power engineering solutions and concepts can lead to disruptive innovation in improving operating times and standards of mobile devices.
3. Power Management - Developing self-sufficient handheld devices that efficiently link energy sources such as batteries, solar cells, thermoelectrics, or fuel cells presents disruptive innovation opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Device Manufacturing - The mobile device manufacturing industry can benefit from integrating energy-harvesting technologies and micro power engineering solutions to develop more efficient and long-lasting devices.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can explore opportunities in providing solar cells and other energy-harvesting technologies for various electronic devices, including mobile phones.
3. Power Management Software - The power management software industry can play a crucial role in enabling efficient power management and integration of different energy sources in mobile devices.
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