Sunpartner Technologies and 3M have announced an agreement to collaborate in product development and technical solutions. The two companies are developing a sustainable wireless transparent micro component that will charge devices while they are being used and exposed to light. This development will give consumers the ability to charge their mobile phones and tablets with just natural or artificial light, said 3M.
3M said the technology will combine 3M optically clear adhesives with SunPartner's wysips crystal drives. Wysips – What you see is photovoltaic surface – transforms any surface into a solar panel that can generate its own energy from natural or artificial light. These photovoltaic (PV) cells activate from the moment they are exposed to light and charge the battery or power the equipment they are connected to.
Wysips ultra-thin transparent PV layer is embedded into electronic displays and supplies enough energy to keep the device charged, so it will not run out of power. . Extended battery life is taking on ever-greater importance in consumer smartphone purchase decisions. The continuous solar charge makes handsets always accessible- indoors or outdoors, 3M added.
Based on core 3M adhesive technology, 3M optically clear adhesives are precision-manufactured to eliminate common adhesive visual defects such as bubbling, which can distort the display and diminish consumer satisfaction with their device. 3M OCA's precisely meet specific display bonding requirements with the ability to customize the functionality, reactivity and performance of the adhesive, the company said.
Suited to indoor or outdoor applications, the technology can be integrated into all kinds of displays and nomad devices: mobile phone, e-book readers, electronics shelves labels, watches, wireless sensors. The added source of energy production changes neither the design nor aesthetics of the device. The transparent PV component is connected to an electronic chip, which converts and manages the energy produced to charge a battery, 3M added.
Under the agreement, Sunpartner Technologies is now designing prototypes for three global leaders in mobile telephony. The company plans to finalize two new agreements in the coming months and sign the first licenses during the first half of 2014.
