This is a revolutionary way to generate electricity from solar energy. This means that solar energy can be used to generate electricity no matter what season or weather conditions. It is a closed system which can operate without causing CO2 emissions,” said Kasper Moth Poulsen, Chalmers Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
The new technology is based upon the solar energy system MOST – Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems. It was developed by Chalmers University of Technology. The technology is simple and relies on a specially-designed molecule that changes its shape when exposed to sunlight. When it was presented earlier, the research attracted a lot of interest around the world.
This new study, published by Cell Reports Physical Science March 2022, and conducted in collaboration with researchers from Shanghai, explores the potential for solar energy to be combined with a thermoelectric generator to produce electricity.
Ultra-thin chips convert heat into electricity
The specially-designed molecule was sent by the Swedish researchers to Zhiyu and Tao Li at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They converted the solar energy into electricity with a generator they had developed. The Swedish sun was converted to electricity in China by the researchers.
“The generator is a thin chip that can be integrated into electronic devices such as smartwatches and phones. Although we have not yet generated much electricity, the new results prove that the concept works. It seems very promising,” said Zhihang Wang, researcher at Chalmers University of Technology.
Emissions free, fossil-free
This research holds great potential for producing renewable, emissions-free energy. There is still much to be done in order for the system to heat homes or charge technical devices with its stored solar energy.
“We are working together with various research groups to streamline the system. It must be able to extract more heat or electricity. Even if the energy system relies on basic materials, it must be modified to make it cost-effective and to allow for wider distribution,” states Kasper Moth Poulsen.
Learn more about the Most technological advances
Most is a closed-energy system that uses a specially-designed molecule of carbon and hydrogen. When it is exposed to sunlight, the molecule changes into an energy-rich Isomer. This is a molecule composed of the same atoms, but arranged in a different manner. This isomer can be stored in liquid form so that it can be used later, like at night or during winter. Researchers have improved the system so that the energy can be stored for up to 18 year. The catalyst is specially designed to release the heat as heat and return the molecules back to their original form, so that it can be used in the heating system again. The energy system can now generate electricity by using a thin thermoelectric generator that is micrometers thick.