The

Eclectic

Newsletter

Vol. 1, No. 7

Happy Thursday, everyone!

In this issue, we’ll be talking about power production. There are some pretty amazing things going on in the world and out of it.

Power from Artificial Plants 🍃🌧️

This “power plant,” featuring beige, leaf-shaped generators, can capture energy from gentle breezes and falling raindrops.

Adapted from ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2024, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c03620

There are numerous ways that energy can be produced naturally. Solar panels and wind turbines are the most commonly known methods. But water movement, as in rivers, ocean waves, and tides, also produces energy (think dams).

Now, scientists are also developing ways for raindrops and light breezes to create energy.

So far, researchers have powered 10 LED lights in short bursts using synthetic energy collectors made to resemble artificial plants.

What will they think of next?

Solar Power from Space 🌞

January last year, Caltech launched a Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD-1).  Its mission was to demonstrate the ability of beaming power wirelessly in space.

Three different systems were tested during this mission, including:

• DOLCE (Deployable on-Orbit ultraLight Composite Experiment)
• ALBA
• MAPLE (Microwave Array for Power-transfer Low-orbit Experiment)

DOLCE demonstrated a new architecture, packaging system, and distribution device (in miniature) that could constitute a power station in space.

ALBA used 32 types of photovoltaic cells to determine which could withstand the environment (or lack thereof) in space.

And MAPLE proved the capability to transmit wireless power at a distance in space and back to Earth.

Scientists learned as much from the delays and damages as from the successful tests. Continued research is ongoing.

Power from the Road  🛣️🚗

And Detroit is making headlines again in the automotive industry—only this time, not for cars.

Motor City has created the first-of-its-kind (in the US) public roadway surfaced with regular asphalt that charges electric vehicles as they drive over it.

Rubber-coated copper coils were buried inside a quarter-mile stretch of roadway. The test vehicle, an electric Ford -Transit van, successfully charged while driving along the test section of the street.

The test vehicle had a special receiver to take up the charge. As a proof of concept, the test was considered successful.

Several European countries have similar projects already in the works.

This technology is expected to supplement the range of electric vehicles, not as a substitute for ordinary stationary charging.

Did You Know?!? 👁️‍🗨️☂️

Scientists are taking a cue from science fiction and creating a giant sun shield to be placed between the Sun and the Earth.

They say a prototype could be launched within a few years.

What’s that gonna do to solar panel power production?

Hope You Enjoyed This Issue 😊

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