Standard size (AA, AAA, C, etc.) battery, its shell is a solar cell. When the battery is discharged you leave it under the sun to recharge. There is no need for a separate charger. I have seen this approach for some cell-phone batteries.
It is possible the product shell (iPod, laptop, digital camera, etc.) to be a solar cell. If the surface is not enough to provide power for the device it could be used for “trickle charge” (extending the primary batter life) or for recharging while the device is not in use.
(This is an idea expressed as a comment to another idea; I am separating it for the sake of better tracking)
I agree
No opinion
I disagree
Add your comment
I like this idea but I doubt the end user would find it desirable. My main contention is the heat that would be present around the solar area. For products such as an iPod "hands off" might not be an option while the unit is in recharge mode. Plus, would there be a heat issue with compontents inside the unit itself? Most solar cells, if not all, are black. That surface would become extremely hot... I think. If you could work around these points your concept might find acceptance main stream.
The solar panels do not generate heat - check the solar calculators:) It is the chemical reaction that charges the battery. However, the heat is proportional to the current used - that is why faster chargers have cooling fans. In my case the current should not be a problem because 1) it could be controlled; and 2) the solar panel will be too small to generate big enough current; and 3) darker solar panels will help with the heat dissipation.
CAn you extend the model to use the thermal energy (from your palm, by holding it) to charge the battery, to make it work during night time?I like the idea.
The idea is good. But corporations are already searching for better solutions that solar for constantly renewable and longer lasting batteries.<href="http://www.abqjournal.com/AED/429047outlook01-30-06.htm">
http://www.abqjournal.com/AED/429047outlook01-30-06.htm
It would not work because of price of the batteries would have to be at least 6 times higher than they are now--solar cells are not cheap