In a move that potentially change the way we power our devices, Korean company DEOGAM has introduced an innovative energy harvesting battery that promises to extend the life of our gadgets while reducing our reliance on traditional charging methods.
DEOGAM’s new battery technology taps into the concept of energy harvesting, a process that (re)captures small amounts of energy from the environment and converts it into usable electrical power. This approach allows devices to generate their own power from ambient sources such as light, heat, or motion.
The DEOGAM battery incorporates advanced materials and clever engineering to capture and store energy from its surroundings. While the company has kept some details under wraps, they’ve hinted at using a combination of photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators, and piezoelectric elements to maximize energy collection from various sources. As they explained it to us, at its core, their battery is an electric energy recycling system.
The CEO and brain behind the battery that harvests energy started out by trying to figure out how to charge electric buses faster. His solution was to figure out a way to capture and use some of the energy that normally is lost during travel.
Working with the Korean automotive industry, a conclusive study of this new battery’s promise is underway – DEOGAM implemented their battery in 500 Kakao taxis in Jeju, South Korea; the taxis are all Hyundai Ionic 5. If all goes well, DEOGAM is planning on working with the EU to roll out their technology into EVs starting as soon as April of next year.
But beyond EVs, DEOGAM’s technology can potentially be implemented in wearables, smartphones, and IoT devices:
- Wearables: Smartwatches and fitness trackers could harness energy from body heat and movement.
- Smartphones: Screens could double as solar panels, extending battery life throughout the day.
- IoT Devices: Sensors and smart home gadgets could become self-sustaining, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
While the company has successfully demonstrated prototypes, they’re now focusing on scaling up production and partnering with device manufacturers. DEOGAM aims to have their energy harvesting batteries integrated into consumer products within the next two years.
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