Tech: Innovative solar cell may achieve 60% efficiency

[dracodraconis]

Nuclear Engineer Lonnie Johnson claims that his Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converting (JTEC) system can achieve 60% efficiency, almost double the best results of standard photovoltaic cells. The system consists of a "hot" stack that collects solar energy and a "cold" stack that generates hydrogen. The hydrogen is forced through the hot stack to maintain a pressure equilibrium resulting in a charge differential (voltage) across the stacks. Using mirrors, solar energy would be concentrated to raise the temperature of the hot stack to 600 degrees centigrade, the minimum temperature required to achieve a theoretical 60% efficiency. Current solar concentrators can achieve temperatures of between 600 and 800 degrees so he believes the observed efficiency may be even higher than 60%. The system can also generate electricity from waste heat so could be used in industrial situations. As a side note, Johnson is best known for having invented the Super Soaker, and the profits from his previous invention fund his current research.

Comments

[samhaine.livejournal.com]

That's badass. I'm not sure I can think of anything cooler than NASA scientists creating life-improving technology with research funded by toy purchases.

Why haven't I heard of this guy before?

[dracodraconis.livejournal.com]

I have no idea, but he seems cool to me.