Mobile Screens Become Solar Cells

[Rocco Augusto]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2007/04/015673.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2007/04/015673.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Mad4Mobile Phones reports on a new Motorola patent which covers the use of a mobile phone LCD screen as a solar cell. 'The Display and Solar Cell Device patent would allow mobile phones and other devices to be fitted with a solar cell screen that would power the device and recharge an internal battery while it was left in the sun.'"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/augusto-20070424-solarlcd.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />This has to be some of the most drool-worthy news I have heard in a long time. There is one slight problem though... I always keep my phone in my pocket and the last time I checked, it was pretty dark in there! If only there was a way to harness the power of the dark! ;)

[Sven Johannsen]

Maybe if some research is put into converting the energy that must be released during the dark sucking process, we might be able to realize your dream.

http://www.msu.edu/user/dynicrai/physics/dark.htm

[SecureGSM]

Would it make more sense to place sollar cell on the external screen / part of the clamshall handset? Therefore handset can keep on recharging while sitting on the table for a example.

[AdamaDBrown]

I'm still holding out for tritium batteries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betavoltaics), but I'd take this in the mean time.

[SteveHoward999]

There is one slight problem though... I always keep my phone in my pocket and the last time I checked, it was pretty dark in there!

I don't want to make too many assumptions about this technology ... but :-)

If it is anything like the solar cells we had in calculators an watches in the 80s and 90s, then it should be able to charge from almost any bright light - even under flourescent lighting.

So every time you use your phone, or leave it on your desk then it should get **some** charge. I'd assume it will be more effective as a battery life extender than a full-on charging system.

Hmmmm - and the US preference for flip phones would make this less effective than the rest-of-the-world preference for 'candy bar' phones.

[DaveW]

The latest issue of Scientific American (May 2007) has an article about designing mobile phones for developing countries where people are nonliterate. In these markets recharging from the grid would probably be a problem. Sunlight probably not a problem.

[Rocco Augusto]

I'm still holding out for tritium batteries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betavoltaics), but I'd take this in the mean time.

while i would love to see these batteries, with the current fear most cellphone users have about there device giving off radiation, I would be surprised if the general populous adapted a radioactive battery! (even if it is harmless! :lol:)

[Sven Johannsen]

The latest issue of Scientific American (May 2007) has an article about designing mobile phones for developing countries where people are nonliterate. In these markets recharging from the grid would probably be a problem. Sunlight probably not a problem. I'm sure there will be scores of nonliterate folks looking for great deals on these on Amazon on their $100 handcrank laptops. They'll be anxiously awaiting the UPS truck.