Scientists from the National University of Singapore has developed a technology SEG, which opens a new direction in the development of photovoltaic panels. Instead seek to capture as much light as possible, this system uses a combination of lighted and darkened areas on the surface. This not just eliminates the dependence on the weather, but also allows you to create a new type of motion detectors.
Structurally SEG-panels are very similar to solar cells, only they are arranged simply – on a plastic base lined with silicon wafer coated with gold. They have a high sensitivity to light and may accumulate a charge under illumination, and dimmable, but it is small. But the potential difference between the light and dark areas is very significant, and that creates tension and serves to generate electrical current.
To generate energy, these panels need to partially cover and partially obscure, ideally in the ratio of 1:1. This ensures a uniform energy, and allows such a panel could produce twice as much as the analog, which is entirely in the light. Because the shadow can be created artificially, there is no problem to design a system that would maintain balance in the shadows as the changes of the luminous flux during the day.
Another interesting use of SEG-panels – motion detectors. If you place the panel in a lit hallway, it will produce a small amount of energy. But it is necessary to fall on her the shadow from a passing man, as generation will increase dramatically, and that will be the signal for the security system. It only remains to figure out what to replace expensive gold to such systems become widespread.
Source — National University of Singapore