Quote:
Originally Posted by malware
Your next laptop could have a continuous power battery that lasts for 30 years without a single recharge thanks to work being funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The breakthrough betavoltaic power cells are constructed from semiconductors and use radioisotopes as the energy source. As the radioactive material decays it emits beta particles that transform into electric power capable of fueling an electrical device like a laptop for years. Although betavoltaic batteries sound Nuclear they’re not. Betavoltaics generate power when an electron strikes a particular interface between two layers of material. The process uses beta electron emissions that occur when a neutron decays into a proton which causes a forward bias in the semiconductor. This makes the betavoltaic cell a forward bias diode of sorts, similar in some respects to a photovoltaic (solar) cell. Electrons scatter out of their normal orbits in the semiconductor and into the circuit creating a usable electric current. The profile of the batteries can be quite small and thin, also the reaction is non-thermal which means laptops and other small devices like mobile phones will run much cooler than with traditional lithium-ion power batteries. If all goes well plans are for these cells to reach store shelves in about 2 to 3 years.
Source: NextEnergy News |
At that time, I wonder how much is that laptop going to cost us? I guess it's gotta be an affordable price. And how are companies out there going to make money selling their Lithium batteries for the upgrades.