A silicon chip can now convert wasted heat into electricity
Scientists have discovered a way to produce more electricity from heat than thought possible by using a newly developed silicon chip.
It is estimated that as much as two-thirds of energy consumed in the US each year is wasted as heat, said researchers from University of Utah.
Take for example, car engines, laptop computers, cell phones, even refrigerators, that heat up with overuse.
The method, described in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, uses a silicon chip called “device,” that converts more thermal radiation into electricity.
Researchers have previously determined that there is a theoretical “blackbody limit” to how much energy can be produced from thermal radiation (heat).
