Converting light into electricity is no new a concept. But, MIT researchers have taken up the old idea to radically improve the production of electricity fom light more efficiently than ever before – i.e. thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion of light into electricity.
To create super-bright light, this new TPV system would burn just a little fuel. Then to power lighting and systems like that of electrical and electronic ones in the car, efficient photo diodes, similar to solar cells would produce and trap the energy, sending the electricity to the grids.
Instead of replacing the car’s engine, this light-based system would supply electricity enough to run subsystems. Hence, this would help consume much lesser fuel compared to what is needed to keep a heavy, multi-cylinder engine running, even when it is at low speed.
In addition, there will be no moving parts in the TPV system, neither cams, nor bearings. It will also not have any spinning shafts. Hence, when an engine is idle, no energy would be wasted just to keep an engine turning over.
Via: Physorg
