New Fujitsu Device Harvests Energy From Both Heat And Light

Fujitsu today announced the development of a single device that’s capable of generating electricity from either heat or light. Previously, two devices had to be combined to generate electricity from these sources (through energy harvesting, energy can be derived from external sources like light, heat, vibrations, wind energy etc.).

On paper, Fujitsu’s so-called hybrid energy harvesting device doubles the energy-capture potential (see below).

The company also says its new device doesn’t require wiring or battery replacements, meaning it can serve as a rather inexpensive solution in areas with insufficient energy supply in the future.

What you can see on the picture on top of this post is a prototype device manufactured on flexible substrate. Fujitsu says it’s now working on improving their technology to commercialize it by around 2015.