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Apple gadgets going solar?
3 new patents filed by Apple indicate the company is getting into the clean energy business.
Sat, Jan 23 2010 at 6:04 PM
 5

Image: HomePlug Alliance

 
Related on MNN:
 
This month, Apple filed three new clean energy and energy efficiency patents, creating a new wave of speculation about the eco-friendly direction of the gadget behemoth. 
 
1. The first is a software patent that enables Apple devices to "register their power usage and communicate" using HomePlug Alliance, a set of universal standards showcased at this year's CES. The system would allow users to schedule and monitor the charging of all their "smart devices," ensuring that charging happens during off-peak hours and that devices are not overcharged, a problem which the Department of Energy estimates could be wasting as much as 10 percent of a home's typical electricity usage. Here's more about HomePlug Alliance:
 

 
2. According to Engadget, Apple also appears to be working on a proprietary "smart plug" that could internally perform a conversion from AC to DC (no more bulky white bricks) and regulate the flow of electricity to match the device, eliminating wear and tear on batteries by over-charging.
 
3. In 2008, Apple applied for the first of its solar gadget patents, solar-augmented glass that could be integrated into any device with a screen — iPhones, Macbooks, etc:
 
U.S. Patent Office, 2008
 
This week, Apple filed for a second solar-augmentation patent in which the entire device is covered by solar cells. The solar cells are networked to allow power to continue flowing to the device even if one's hand obstructs some of the cells. When the battery is fully charged, the user can change a setting that puts the solar cells in a "second operational state" and if the battery gets low, switch to the solar cells as the primary source (which one assumes would reduce the performance and brightness of the device).
 
It appears that Apple may lead the pack once again, this time in terms of product-integrated solar power and smart charging for personal electronics devices. 
 
 

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Comments: 5
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anonymous
Alice Oct 20 2010 at 2:47 AM
Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent material. Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns. It goes on to explain that devices could display the performance of the solar cells on their screens next to the battery bar, or even on top of the cells themselves. It will be interesting to see if the use of photo-voltaic
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panels in portable electronics will contradict the current consumer trend towards smaller and smaller gadgets, since a large, flat surface is required for solar to have any degree of efficiency. I’m also curious to see how they plan to deal with heat issues inherent in leaving pricey electronics out in the sun. Either way, this will be one to watch.http://www.greenliving9.com/
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anonymous
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anonymous
Jenny Jan 25 2010 at 7:04 PM

These new products are awsome!!

http://www.solarmaid.org

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anonymous
Austin Jan 25 2010 at 6:57 PM

I want one of these Home Plugs. I would really love to have internet access where ever I want it, and I would love for my computer's energy intake to not only be regulated, but to be solar powered as well. After all, computers can waste energy, money, and harm the environment. This device is unique.

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anonymous
Casey Verdant Jan 25 2010 at 5:31 PM

Awesome new patent from Apple! Transparent solar panels for portable devices will radically change the way we power portable electronics. Leaving your ipod in on a windowsill or wearing it in plain sight: it will be easy to take advantage of the solar capacity!

Interested in solar energy? Check out http://www.greencollareconomy.com. It has hundreds of case studies on emerging green tech and solar power. It's also the largest b2b green directory on the web.

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