Aug 1 2006
A micro energy system, which is only a few centimeters in diameter, has been invented by CAS researchers. Experts say it has a bright application prospect.
First advanced by U.S. scholars, the concept of a micro energy system is to compress a conventional power plant into a small system with its overall dimension at a level of a few centimeters and its key components at microns. The system is expected to replace lithium-ion cells to provide long-standing power for field workers. It could also be used to give energy to micro air vehicles (MAVs), micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) or other electronic devices in special scenarios with a wide range of applications.
However, due to the difficulties in interdisciplinary efforts between such fields as materials, thermo-physics, and micro system etc., reports on actual electricity energy outputs from such a system are rarely heard.
A research team headed by XU Jinliang from the CAS Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion (GIEC) has recently been successful in developing a prototype for a micro energy system being just 3.5 centimeter in external diameter and 7 centimeters in length. With a speed of 20,000 rotations per minute (rpm), it spins much faster than that of a macro-scale rotating machinery. The system could produce about one watt of power, enough for making three light emitting diodes shining brightly. It encompasses various state-of-the-art technologies ranging from micro-combustor to micro-engine.
Although some distance remains to be overcome for its practical use, says Xu, director of Micro Energy System Laboratory at GIEC, we have seen the dawn of its application.
With the support of CAS, the lab has been conducting a research project, among others, on a micro energy system, which consists of a micro combustor, a micro turbine and micro generator components using the hydrogen and liquid as fuel.