Daily News
Exciting Breakthrough In Solar Power Technology
A new device has been invented to revolutionise the cooling of solar panel cells using gravity instead of electricity.
Cooling systems are an integral part of harnessing solar power, preventing the solar cells in each panel from overheating. Usually, the cooling process relies on electricity, but this new breakthrough will mean that it can be done without, therefore improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
The innovative device collects water from the atmosphere using gravity alone. A coating on its surface, made from polymer and silicon oil, allows for the collection of water to become entirely passive. Maintenance of the device over time is also minimal as it relies simply on this coating rather than mechanical components such as compressors or fans.
The water collected is then used to cool solar cells. Once it has done so, the water can also be used for other purposes, such as irrigation.
The breakthrough was achieved by researchers at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Early testing of the device, over the last year, has shown that it can double the rate of water collection compared to other technologies. While still in the early stages of development, it is hoped that this breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of generating solar power.
Solar power now provides over 80% of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy and so this is an exciting step forward for the country but also for the global energy transition if the technology can be adopted globally.
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