A particular country is well-known for its stunning, picturesque Alpine scenery, delicious pastries, and classical music. Beyond its rich culture and history, scientists from this country have also been breaking ground with their new technology that is set to revolutionize energy. This new technology is unlike anything we have ever seen before, as it is paper-thin and airborne. Before we know it, this pioneering technology’s clean power could be flying all over the world, changing the future of aviation forever!
The world needs a power revolution
The Earth’s temperature and ocean levels have been rising significantly, and weather patterns are out of control, posing threats to the environment, ecosystems, and mankind. These effects are all the result of climate change, which has been a significant problem all thanks to a reliance on burning fossil fuels for power way too long. Examples of fossil fuels include coal, gas, and oil, which all emit harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
According to EBSCO, one of the industries that significantly contributes to climate change is the aviation industry, which accounts for nearly 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The industry is also responsible for emitting gases like nitrous oxides (NOx), which contribute to the greenhouse effect. Thankfully, all of that could soon change.
Revolutionizing energy with a paper-thin, airborne device
There are, of course, other traditional and alternative solutions, such as batteries, but they also have their limitations. According to Tech Explorist, these limitations include:
- stationery charging requirements
- size
- low power density
- negative impact on the environment
To solve the limitations in the industry, researchers from Johannes Kepler University Linz’s Department of Soft Matter Physics and the LIT Soft Material Lab have engineered new technology that enables self-sufficient energy. This would potentially assist power systems to function for extended periods on Earth and in space. This technology utilizes ultra-thin and flexible solar cells made from a new material called “perovskite.”
The researchers integrated 24 perovskite cells into a commercial CX10 miniature quadcopter’s frame, which they called the Solar Hopper. The frame fitted with perovskite cells accounted for just 1/400 of the drone’s total weight. The Solar Hopper was able to execute consecutive charge-flight-charge cycles without the cord charging. This made it highly efficient and sustainable.
Producing so much more than just power
“Ultra-thin and lightweight solar cells not only have enormous potential to revolutionize the way energy is generated in the aerospace industry but there are also a wide range of applications that include wearable electronics and the Internet of Things, that can also benefit from this new technology.” – Christoph Putz, one of the study’s lead authors
Why is it revolutionary
According to the researchers, the Solar Hopper’s perovskite cells have revolutionary benefits, which include:
- Unrivalled power output of up to 44 W per gram
- A high level of stability, thanks to the transparent aluminum oxide layer
- Optimized solar cell material
- It is ultra-thin, 20 times thinner than a human hair strand
- Can power a variety of electronics in regions with light
- An efficiency of 20.1%
- A high degree of flexibility, increasing application possibilities
- Small carbon footprint
Possible applications
According to Tech Explorist, the new technology’s applications include:
- Search and rescue operations
- Large-scale mapping
- Producing solar power in space
- Exploring the solar system
The researchers’ pioneering solar-powered aviation technology will, without a doubt, be a game-changer for space research and exploration, thanks to its self-sufficient energy. According to the Johannes Kepler University Linz official website, the importance of self-sufficient solar-powered aviation was demonstrated by the Mars helicopter called “Ingenuity.” This helicopter was reportedly the first aircraft to launch from Earth and land on another planet successfully. Who knows, the anticipated space solar power station could be integrating this technology soon.
