Power sources
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Power Sources: A Comprehensive Overview
Portable Power Sources for Consumer Electronics
Alkaline and Rechargeable Batteries
The demand for portable power has surged due to the proliferation of wireless products such as cellular phones, PDAs, and remote controls. Traditionally, these devices have been powered by alkaline batteries, but there is a growing shift towards rechargeable batteries due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits1.
Emerging Alternatives: Fuel Cells and Photovoltaic Cells
Fuel cells and photovoltaic cells are emerging as promising alternatives for powering portable consumer electronics. These technologies offer potential advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and user convenience. However, their adoption is still limited due to the current state of technological development1.
Power Sources for Space Applications
Chemical Batteries
Chemical batteries have proven their reliability in several earth satellites, providing dependable power for short-term and low-power requirements. Their practical capabilities have been well demonstrated in space applications2.
Solar Energy Converters
Solar energy converters, with or without storage devices, have also shown their effectiveness in space. They offer high power output and can operate over several years, making them suitable for long-term missions2.
Nuclear Energy Devices
Nuclear energy devices are under development and promise to surpass the capabilities of solar energy converters. However, both systems are expected to remain in close competition for some time2.
Thermal Energy Harvesting
Thermoelectrics and Thermophotovoltaics
Thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic devices can convert waste heat into electrical power. These technologies typically operate at high temperatures, but recent advancements have enabled energy harvesting from moderate-temperature thermal sources (100°C to 400°C). This development could lead to the creation of compact thermal batteries and reduce energy consumption3.
Biomechanical Energy Harvesting
Hybridized Generators
The rapid growth of smart electronics has spurred the development of biomechanical energy-driven hybridized generators. These devices can harvest energy from human activities, such as walking or handshaking, to power smart bands and smartphones. The integration of nonlinear electromagnetic generators with triboelectric nanogenerators has significantly improved energy harvesting efficiency4.
Mobile Power Sources for Distribution Systems
Enhancing Resilience
Mobile power sources (MPSs), including electric vehicle fleets and mobile energy storage systems, can enhance the resilience of distribution systems against extreme weather events. By pre-positioning MPSs and dynamically dispatching them during and after events, the electricity supply to critical loads can be maintained, improving system recovery5.
Alternative Power Sources for Roadside Infrastructure
Magnetic Dynamic Energy Generators
Innovative solutions like magnetic dynamic energy generators can convert the kinetic energy of moving vehicles into electricity. This approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, making it suitable for powering roadside infrastructure6.
Biocompatible Power Sources
Electric-Eel-Inspired Systems
Inspired by the electric eel, new power sources using ion gradients between hydrogel compartments have been developed. These systems are soft, flexible, and potentially biocompatible, making them ideal for powering implantable medical devices and other bio-integrated technologies7.
Printed Power Sources
Customizable and Scalable Solutions
Printed power sources are gaining attention due to their design flexibility, compatibility with various electronics, and low-cost production. These power sources can be directly fabricated on complex-structured objects, enabling seamless integration with target devices. Advances in printing techniques and materials are driving the development of these innovative power solutions8.
Standardized Power Sources
Standard Family Concept
A standardized family of power sources has been proposed to minimize the variety of power sources and enhance interchangeability. This approach includes standard output voltages, connectors, and dimensions, allowing users to select suitable power sources based on mission requirements rather than developing unique solutions for each application9.
Chemical Power Sources
Enhanced Performance
Chemical power sources with organic electrolytes have been modified to include specific additives, resulting in increased electromotive force, current density, and reliability. These improvements make chemical power sources more efficient and dependable for various applications10.
Conclusion
The landscape of power sources is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements in both traditional and emerging technologies. From portable consumer electronics to space applications and biomechanical energy harvesting, the development of innovative power solutions continues to address the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy sources.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
"Power sources compared: the ultimate truth?"
Alternative power sources like fuel cells and photovoltaic cells show potential for cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and user-friendly portable consumer electronics, but current development is slow.
Highly CitedPower sources for satellites and space vehicles
Chemical batteries, solar energy converters, and nuclear energy devices are suitable power sources for satellites and space vehicles, offering reliable, small, and lightweight power for long-life operations in harsh environments.
Electrical power generation from moderate-temperature radiative thermal sources
A CMOS tunnel diode can efficiently convert low-temperature thermal radiation into electrical power, potentially reducing energy consumption and powering electronics and sensors.
Biomechanical Energy‐Driven Hybridized Generator as a Universal Portable Power Source for Smart/Wearable Electronics
The EINR-HG effectively harvests biomechanical energy from diverse human activities, providing a sustainable power source for smart electronics like smart bands and smartphones.
Highly CitedRouting and Scheduling of Mobile Power Sources for Distribution System Resilience Enhancement
The proposed two-stage framework effectively routes and schedules mobile power sources to enhance distribution system resilience against extreme weather events.
Highly CitedAlternative Power Sources Roadside Infrastructure
Magnetic dynamic energy generators, using vehicle weight, can create environmentally friendly, cost-effective power sources for roadside infrastructure, improving the environment in megacities.
An electric-eel-inspired soft power source from stacked hydrogels
This electric-eel-inspired power concept uses stacked hydrogels to generate 110 volts, offering potential for biocompatible, flexible, and transparent power sources for implantable devices.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited