{"id":13480,"date":"2023-08-17T14:50:06","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T14:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/TheNextWeb=1399092"},"modified":"2023-08-17T14:50:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T14:50:06","slug":"this-pv-leaf-can-harness-more-power-than-standard-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/?p=13480","title":{"rendered":"This PV-leaf can harness more power than standard solar panels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scientists at Imperial College London have invented a leaf-inspired technology that captures solar energy and makes freshwater in the process. <\/span><\/p>\n

The design, known as <\/span>PV-leaf<\/span><\/a>, is made up of glass, photovoltiac cells, bamboo<\/span> fibres, and hydrogel cells which combine to mimic a real leaf.<\/span> Water can even move and distribute throughout the artificial leaf\u2019s structure and evaporate from its surface, cooling it down.  <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

In hot and sunny conditions, solar panels can heat up to temperatures of 65\u00b0C or more, which takes a big knock on their efficiency. This is because the increased heat causes the electrons in the semiconductor material to move more energetically, leading to higher resistance and reduced electrical output.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Simply by mimicking transpiration, the scientists found that the artificial leaf can generate over 10% more electricity compared to conventional solar panels.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/i><\/a>Left is the typical structure of a real leaf. Right is the artificial leaf designed by the scientists at ICL. Credit: Nature Communications<\/figcaption>