3M (News - Alert) Company and SunPartner Technologies announced that they have come to an agreement to collaborate in both development and technical solutions. Together they will capitalize on the engineered electronics of 3M and the transparent solar cell technologies of SunPartner Technologies.
Together the companies are working on the development of sustainable wireless transparent micro components that will charge devices during use while they are being exposed to light.
With this new technology consumers will have the ability to charge their mobile phones and tablets with either artificial or natural light. Consumers will not need electrical outlets to produce power.
3M’s Optically Clear Adhesives will be partnered with SunPartner’s Wysips Crystal drives. What they will get is a Photovoltaic Surface that will transform any surface into a solar panel. These cells are activated as soon as they are exposed to light.
The transparent photovoltaic layer is embedded into electronic displays and it will be capable of supplying the energy needed to keep the device charged. Sophisticated phones and their apps, gaming, movies, books, email and more drain the life out of batteries quickly. Continuous solar charge makes phones always accessible whether the user is indoors or out.
Ludovic Deblois, president and co-founder of Sunpartner Technologies, says, “We see strong synergies to serve our customers in consumer electronics markets with the help of 3M as a trusted partner and expert in materials excellence. Their reach with world-class mobile and display manufacturers, combined with our efforts, will enable us to move faster and to develop revolutionary solutions and foresee world-class support for a wide range of applications for our customers to help speed their products to market.”
The new technology can be integrated into all sorts of displays and devices including mobile phone, e-readers, electronics shelves labels, watches and wireless sensors.
Herve Gindre, vice president and general manager of 3M Electronics Markets Materials, states, “It is exciting to see both an innovative and sustainable solution for this industry. We are thrilled to leverage our technical materials expertise, along with SunPartner’s unique solutions, to enable key customers worldwide to bring new and exciting possibilities to the next generation of electronic devices. This team effort aligns well with 3M’s commitment to collaborative innovation, sustainability and improving business and people’s lives.”
Edited by Alisen Downey