Fujitsu Labs has revealed a hybrid energy harvester that can be switched to convert light or heat to electricity.
"Furthermore, because the cost of the hybrid device is economical, this technology paves the way to the widespread use of highly efficient energy harvesting devices," claimed the lab.
Two developments have been required: The invention of p and n materials plus a structure that can generate power from both light and heat, and a switchable connection system - including series/parallel re-connection - that changes the mode of that structure (see diagrams below).
"Fujitsu Laboratories developed an organic material that is suitable for a generator in both photovoltaic and thermoelectric modes," said Fujitsu. "The material features efficiency that can produce power from even indoor lighting in photovoltaic mode, and it can also generate power from heat in thermoelectric mode."
The firm aims to commercialise the technology "by around 2015".
Details were presented at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM in San Francisco this week.
