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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Device generates electricity at night using infrared radiation. A research
team from the University of New South Wales UNSW has
developed a device that uses a special semiconductor component to
capture infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and convert it
into electricity. The idea of generating electricity after the sunsets

(00:25):
might seem impossible, but the UNSW team has created a
new technology to make this a reality. According to a
report by Interesting Engineering on September twenty eighth, they have
tested the device on Earth and are now planning to
evaluate its usability in space. Their technology works on the

(00:46):
principle of thermo radiative power generation, which involves harnessing the
temperature difference between the Earth's surface and the coldness of space.
All objects, including the Earth, emit infrared radiationtion The newly
developed device captures this radiated energy and transforms it into electricity.

(01:07):
The key component of the device is a semiconductor specially
designed to utilize this thermal radiation. As the Earth emits
infrared light, the semiconductor collects this energy and generates an
electric current. By converting thermal radiation into electricity, the device
can essentially produce solar energy at night, explained lead researcher

(01:33):
ned Ekins darkness. The researchers described the semiconductor as a
type of thermadiative diode. The materials used to construct the
device are similar to those found in night vision technology.
Just as photovoltaic cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight, a
thermadiative diode produces electricity by emitting infrared light into a

(01:58):
cooler environment, said doctor Phoebe Pierce, a member of the
research team. In both cases, the temperature difference is what
enables us to generate electricity. Currently, the efficiency of the
new technology is quite low, but the researchers are optimistic
about future improvements. The amount of electricity generated is about

(02:22):
one hundred thousand times less than that of photovoltaic cells,
but this still serves as proof of the device's feasibility.
According to Professor Eckens Dorks, the team believes their technology
will have numerous applications far beyond current energy sources, such
as harnessing body heat to produce electricity on a larger scale.

(02:47):
Eckens Doorks and his colleagues are working to adapt the
technology for use in spacecraft satellites in low Earth orbit
are frequently shaded and must rely on batteries when they
enter darkness. A thermo ratiative diode could offer a potential solution,
generating electricity even when sunlight is unavailable. The team plans

(03:11):
to launch the diode into space within the next two years.
This breakthrough could pave the way for a future where
renewable energy is available twenty four seven