American scientists managed to create a hybrid device that not only captures, but also stores solar energy

A research team from the University of Houston has succeeded in creating a hybrid device that combines the functions of solar panels and rechargeable batteries.

As you know, classic solar panels transform sunlight into electricity, and as soon as night falls - solar panels do not work (this is their main drawback - the inability to generate energy without a source Sveta).

The scientific group proposed a technological solution according to which the hybrid device will also store the energy of the sun in the form of thermal energy.

The results of the work done were published in the publication Joule.

What is the essence of technology

So, the whole trick of a hybrid device lies in the fact that it consists of a "molecular storage", as well as a localized material with a phase transition.

At the same time, they are separated by a special airgel based on silicon dioxide. This separation is necessary to maintain the temperature difference.

At the same time, the created device is able to accumulate energy not only in molecular form, but also to collect called latent heat (energy that is released or absorbed during the phase transition with a constant temperature).

What is the efficiency of the product

Of course, efficiency is the main issue in such studies. So, for the created device, the absorption efficiency was from 73% to 90% (depending on the size of the installation).

At the same time, almost 80% of the stored energy was successfully extracted in the dark. During the day, this figure was even higher.

It was emphasized that such a high conversion was made possible by the device's ability to absorb the entire light spectrum.

What kind of "molecular storage"

So, behind a bit of a strange acronym "molecular storage" is a combination of two isomers of polycyclic carbons, namely, norbornadiene-quadricyclane.

According to scientists, it is this combination of substances that has increased specific energy and excellent heat release. Moreover, the isomers are capable of being in a stable state during an extended period of energy storage.

The hybrid device shows high efficiency due to the fact that solar energy is stored in molecular form, and not in the form of heat, which has the ability to dissipate over time.

And since the accumulated energy is stored in the same place where it is collected, this completely eliminates the losses for energy transportation.

The prospect of this technology is actually very difficult to overestimate, because it is capable of making a real revolution in modern energy.

But until the device reaches full commercial use, it's too early to rejoice.

Write in the comments how you personally think whether the hybrid device will be openly sold in specialized stores or will remain just a promising development and nothing more.

The original article is posted on the website energy fixerwhere you can find a lot of useful and interesting things.