IBM has announced a new
technique for enhancing
photovoltaic cells'
efficiency using some exotic
materials and what amounts
to a heat sink. Because
photovoltaic cells are built
from silicon, the same
material as CPUs, IBM's
previous experience cooling
CPUs allowed them to put the
state of solar power forward
significantly.
IBM's construct focuses
approximately 230 watts/cm^2
onto a photovoltaic cell,
which is the equivalent of
2300 time the intensity of
normal sunlight. Normally
this would raise the
temperature of the cell to
1600 degrees Celsius, but
IBM's liquid metal cooling
system based on gallium and
indium allows the rig to
maintain a cool temperature
of 85 degrees.
This will be good news for
datacenter providers, or
anyone who uses a lot of
computers, as better solar
cells will help drive the
price of renewable fuels
down to the level of fossil
fuels. Google already
generates part of the power
for their CA offices from
solar "trees" in their
parking lots, and along with
Microsoft, are locating
their facilities in parts of
the country with abundant
hydroelectric power
capacity.
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