News19,135 Articles

October 2, 2008

Prototype technology turns laptop heat into power

Thermoelectric device generates electricity

Sumner Lemon

Murata Manufacturing demonstrated at the Ceatec exhibition in Japan a thermoelectric device capable of turning heat into electricity. The device could one day find a home in laptops, and other products.

Murata's prototype thermoelectric device generates up to 38 milliwats of power per square centimeter at 360 degrees Celsius.

The thermoelectric device generates electricity when two ceramic semiconductors are subjected to different temperatures. When the semiconductors are connected, the temperature gradient produces a slight electric currentt.

In a demonstration at Ceatec, Murata showed a small electric fan powered by the devices. When the semiconductors - which were heated to 90 degrees Celsius on one side and cooled to 20 degrees Celsius on the other - were linked using a metal plate, the device produced 10 milliwats of electricity, enough to power the small plastic fan.

The thermoelectric device is a long way from being commercialised, according to a Murata engineer at the company's booth, estimating it could take 10 years or more for this capability to appear on the market.

When the technology is ready, these thermolectric devices will end up in cell phones, video cameras, laptops, and other portable electronic devices. Heat produced by the devices can then be used to recharge its internal battery, he said.

<<newer story | back to index | older story>>

Comments received


John Doe said on Thursday, 02 October 2008

I've been wondering when they'd get around to this.
A solar panel in the lid might help too, but this has probably already been done, though I haven't seen it yet.

Lamar said on Friday, 10 October 2008

It's like a laptop Altenator

What is this?

Subscribe to PC Advisor now and claim your FREE gift

Keep up to date by adding PC Advisor News to your iGoogle home page or Google Reader


Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

% of PC Advisor readers agree with you

Yes
TBC
No
TBC

Which parts of the desktop PC/laptop experience can't you get on your smartphone?

119 characters remaining

Follow the conversation at @SmartphoneFocus

web browsing, search facilities, voip, email, word processing everything RT @Graham_D_C

Mainly email but getting better at spreadsheets etc, RT @IDGdan
Google


Recent reviews

Reviews index


Latest reader comments

Latest reader comments


Top news

News index


Latest blog entries

Blogs index


 Our RSS feeds

Sponsored Content

  • Take the internet to new places with the Nokia N800
    Communicate how you want to, where you want to with instant messaging, email and internet calling. View movies, browse the internet wirelessly and watch TV on the high-resolution screen and listen through high-quality stereo speakers with headphone jack.
    Buy now