Manufacturers of portable computer devices have struggled to put the best products on the market that are both powerful and long-lasting while powered on in a constantly changing world. This is a result of battery power restrictions, which have not improved as much as other hardware and software. Recent improvements in battery and solar powered technology promise to significantly alter this story. This study starts off by emphasizing how crucial batteries are to modern microcomputers. Then issues with existing battery technology are brought up. The impact of new technology on problems is then discussed, and assumptions are formed about their advantages, likelihood of success, and other factors. In the conclusion, an overview of the main theme is mentioned. This paper serves to support the view that current advancements in battery and solar power for microcomputers is an important step in making such portable devices more reliable and efficient.
Using Digital Devices: Battery and Solar Technology
Ever since the advent of the computer, there has been an increased ease in terms of access and usage. Computer technology has enabled connectivity from one end of the globe to the other. Because of this, people can access information instantly from the internet and enjoy digital content on demand. This is enabled through the use of cell phones, laptops, tablets, pocket calculators, video game consoles and a host of similar devices popularly referred to as microcomputers. One common feature in all modern portable computers is the reality that although the hardware and software technology has been advancing rapidly, related battery technology has been rather sluggish. With modern devices becoming more power hungry, there has been an urgent need to address this. Lately, there have been advances in battery design and solar power that promise to change this. This paper discusses these two as important components that can power today's smaller and highly advanced portable computer devices.
Most computer devices today use a variety of batteries that include: Li-ion (Lithium-Ion), NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) and (LiPo) Lithium Polymer. Li-ion batteries come with a number of weaknesses that include the need for protection, cost issues, and aging (Poole, 2017). The need for protection is in batteries arises from damage caused by either overcharge or discharge that is too far. In addition, these batteries age quickly as a result of the charge and discharge cycles they have undergone. Another challenge is the cost, expensive batteries are one of the main factors that make many portable computers expensive. NiMH batteries also face a number of issues. These include limited service life if deeply discharged, failure to absorb overcharge in the correct manner, high speed of self-discharge and generation of much heat either during fast charge or high load discharge (Pop, Bergveld, Danilov, Regtien, & Notten, 2008). LiPo batteries on their part are expensive, can easily be punctured and have less volumetric energy (Tichy, 2012). The downside of all these disadvantages is that many devices run out of power quickly and this kind of disruption is unwelcome in the current digital era. New battery and solar power technology are focused on eliminating most of these handicaps in order to prove a solution that keeps portable devices powered for much longer.
The need for batteries that can pack enough power in a small space and remain safe has eluded the technology industry for some time. However, researchers at MIT and Samsung as well as California and Maryland have come up with a new approach that aims at improving battery lifetime, safety and longevity (Office, 2015). Through utilization of solid state electrolytes, most challenges associated with portable device batteries are likely to be eliminated. These include the likelihood of exploding as a result of overheating, a major concern of late; an ability to function even at temperatures below 20° F as well as greater power density. In this sense, greater density supports the ability of a battery to power a device by up to 30 percent more than usual. These advancements are good news for device users who often worry about the ability of their devices to serve them in a manner that is satisfactory.
Another approach involves the addition of solar cells to a touchscreen for the purpose of charging the device by up to 15 percent more by showing either natural or artificial light. This is to be achieved by using transparent cells that only take in infrared and ultraviolet light but allow visible light through (Perry, 2013). This simply implies that such devices have the potential to charge themselves throughout for as long as there is some light.
The potential that is there with regard to having batteries that last long with a possibility of self-recharge is high. First, safety concerns with regard to exploding batteries as a result of overheating will be a relief to all users of microcomputers since most of them are usually recharged. Secondly, the probability of a portable computer running out of power is ever a reality whenever one is far away from an electric socket. Having a battery that lasts longer by 20-30 percent, therefore, is a huge relief to all portable device owners. The possibility of having a device that is ever charging is great since one can never be worried that their device will power itself off. All these benefits although applicable to all portable device owners would be most applicable to students, emergency personnel and people in disciplines like sports where outdoor engagement consumes time. These groups certainly stay with their devices for longer and need them in order to complete tasks appropriately.
Mountain hiking is a favorite hobby for many including myself. It is an activity that is not only time consuming but also risky. Such circumstances call for one to be in touch so that any emergency can be dealt with quickly. Having a portable device with both solid state electrolytes and a solar powered screen is useful in the sense that one is reachable at all times. Other than that, a powered device will guarantee you entertainment at will and the likelihood of one sharing their best moments in real time. In my view, this improved technology is a milestone towards having devices that are not only reliable but also efficient. In particular, the concept of solar powered devices enhances the utilization of clean energy thus promoting environmental safety. On this basis, my conviction is that such technology will continue to progress and ultimately be the choice of the majority in future. One of the major assumptions of this advancement is that grid power will bet there to enable charging of devices and in the case of solar powered devices, natural or artificial light will be available.
In conclusion, evolving technologies are here to help everyone maximize and benefit from their devices. The usage of improved solid state electrolytes and solar powered devices are innovations that can go hand in hand to make devices serve their owners for longer and hence increase productivity.
References
Office, D. (2015). Going solid-state could make batteries safer and longer-lasting. MIT News. Retrieved 29 May 2017, from http://news.mit.edu/2015/solid-state-rechargeable-batteries-safer-longer-lasting-0817
Perry, T. (2013). Self-Charging Cell Phone Screens Coming Soon. IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News. Retrieved 29 May 2017, from http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/green-tech/solar/selfcharging-cell-phone-screens-coming-soon
Poole, I. (2017). Lithium Ion Battery Advantages & Disadvantages :: Radio-Electronics.Com. Radio-electronics.com. Retrieved 29 May 2017, from http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/power-management/battery-technology/lithium-ion-battery-advantages-disadvantages.php
Pop, V., Bergveld, H., Danilov, D., Regtien, P., & Notten, P. (2008). Battery Management Systems : Accurate State-of-Charge Indication for Battery-Powered Applications (1st ed., p. 15). [Dordrecht]: Springer.
Tichy, R. (2012). Lithium Polymer Batteries Power Wireless Digital Radiography | Medical Electronics Design. Medicalelectronicsdesign.com. Retrieved 29 May 2017, from http://www.medicalelectronicsdesign.com/article/lithium-polymer-batteries-power-wireless-digital-radiography
