A new device can convert infrared heat into electrical power using a power-generation device called a ‘thermo-radiative diode’–similar to the technology in night-vision goggles. With solar power the sun provides the hot source and a relatively cool solar panel on the Earth’s surface provides a cold absorber, allowing electricity to be produced. With the infrared emission from the Earth into outer space, it’s now the Earth that is the comparatively warm body, with the vast void of space being extremely cold. By the same principles of thermodynamics, it’s possible to generate electricity from this temperature difference too: the emission of infrared light into space. The amount of energy produced by the new device is small (roughly equivalent to 0.001% of a solar cell), but the proof of concept is significant.
Story Source: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science.