Summary of GRAPHENE ENERGY HARVESTING CHIPS CLOSER TO AVAILABILITY
NTS Innovations, in partnership with the University of Arkansas, has developed a graphene energy harvesting (GEH) circuit on a silicon wafer. This nanoscale device converts ambient mechanical oscillations into electricity, functioning in diverse environments from space to deep oceans. The first-generation chip measures 12 x 12 x 3 mm and targets 10 mW output, aiming to power sensors and electronics without batteries using scalable semiconductor manufacturing.
Parts used in the Graphene Energy Harvesting Chip:
- Graphene
- Silicon wafer
- Energy harvesting circuit
- Graphene energy harvesting (GEH) chip
Nanotechnology company NTS Innovations says it has achieved a major milestone in its development of a graphene energy harvesting (GEH) clean energy source that can operate in any environment.
GEH is the act of harvesting energy at the nanoscale level from the naturally occurring oscillations in graphene. Freestanding graphene converts ambient energy into mechanical energy in the form of ripple fluctuations, much like waves on the ocean, says the company. Now, in partnership with the University of Arkansas, the company says it has completed the development of its energy harvesting circuit on a silicon wafer.
GEH is a nanoscale device on a semiconductor wafer,” says Preston Carter, Chief Technology Officer at NTS Innovations. “The technology itself varies slightly with temperature but is otherwise robust in all environments. GEH can generate power in outer space and aerospace environments, GEH will work anywhere on Earth, and will continue to work deep in the ocean. The only environmental limitations to GEH will be the packaging used to contain it.
With the development of an energy harvesting circuit complete, the company says it is now moving on to prototypes and optimization for commercial applications. GEH chips are made with common semiconductor manufacturing techniques, making them cost-effective, scalable, and easy to mass produce. The first generation GEH chip is targeted for 10 mW (milliwatts) with a chip size of 12 x 12 x 3 mm.
The first generation GEH chip, says the company, will enable sensors and small electronics to become self-powered, without the need to recharge or replace batteries. Future releases of the GEH chip will increase in power density, holding promise for applications ranging from cell phones, tablets, appliances, and cars.
Read more: GRAPHENE ENERGY HARVESTING CHIPS CLOSER TO AVAILABILITY
- What is graphene energy harvesting?
It is the act of harvesting energy at the nanoscale level from naturally occurring oscillations in graphene. - Can GEH operate in outer space?
Yes, the technology can generate power in outer space and aerospace environments. - How does freestanding graphene convert energy?
It converts ambient energy into mechanical energy in the form of ripple fluctuations. - Are GEH chips cost-effective to produce?
Yes, they are made with common semiconductor manufacturing techniques making them cost-effective and easy to mass produce. - What is the target power output for the first generation chip?
The first generation GEH chip is targeted for 10 milliwatts. - Does the GEH technology vary with temperature?
The technology varies slightly with temperature but is otherwise robust in all environments. - What limits the operation of GEH in different environments?
The only environmental limitations are the packaging used to contain the device. - What future applications are promised for released GEH chips?
Future releases promise applications ranging from cell phones, tablets, appliances, and cars.
