Tiny energy systems

Turbines the size of a dime, fuel cells one centimeter square… Luc Frechette, holder of the new Canada Research Chair in Microsystems Energy at the University of Sherbrooke, is working to produce power plants energetic
tiny things that could revolutionize our daily lives.

MEMS, or electromechanical microsystems, have already existed for over fifteen years and the novelty of the scientist's work is the object of his research, namely energy production systems. The MEMS field is skyrocketing today, both in research and in business. The researcher hopes to develop his products within ten years.
He works mainly to develop mini steam turbines. Indeed, this old technology becomes interesting again on a small scale. This system could notably allow a much greater autonomy of laptops and cellular telephones.

The researcher indicates that there are still several details to settle including that of heat, since there is combustion. But applications which allow the release of heat are conceivable in the short term - for example portable chargers or power sources external to electronic devices, such as camcorders or other audiovisual equipment which consume a lot of power.

Sources: Stephanie Raymond - Liaison, 28/10/2004 - University of Sherbrooke
http://www.usherbrooke.ca/liaison_vol39/n06/a_nano.html
November 1er Edition 2004 / 39 Volume, 9 Number
Editor: Nicolas Vaslier MONTREAL,
Nicolas.Vaslier@diplomatie.gouv.fr

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