Semiconducting nanorods help laser-powered drones keep cool
Researchers incorporate a heat blocking technology into the solar cells onboard remote unmanned aerial vehicles The post Semiconducting nanorods help laser-powered drones keep cool appeared first on Physics World .
Researchers at the Civil Aviation University of China have developed a heat-blocking technology using antimony selenide (Sb 2 Se 3 ) nanorods to help laser-powered drones maintain their efficiency. These drones are equipped with solar cells that can be charged wirelessly using laser beams from the ground. However, laser light heats up the drones, reducing the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells they carry on their wings.
The team incorporated Sb 2 Se 3 nanorods, which have low thermal conductivity, into the upper portion of a carbon-based perovskite solar cell. This helps maintain a significant temperature gradient in the thermoelectric device, improving its overall energy conversion efficiency. The researchers believe this technology could help UAVs stay airborne for longer periods, which is beneficial for applications such as forest patrol, disaster monitoring, and package delivery.
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