Submitted by mancinedinburgh t3_zfv7v7 in Futurology
Comments
A1CST t1_izdsbqj wrote
Did you forget batteries are a thing mate? You know for storing power when the sun goes to sleep?
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meshuggahofwallst t1_izdso2q wrote
You can't store sunlight directly though. You need to convert it into electricity first.
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FuturologyBot t1_izdt6lq wrote
The following submission statement was provided by /u/mancinedinburgh:
Windows as modems? Swiss scientists recently announced they had created windows that convert sunlight directly into electricity. This seems to be in a similar vein, whereby polarisation of sunlight is converted into binary code used to send signals to devices in a particular room. Goodbye router boxes? Perhaps. It sounds cool though to me that wireless Internet could be provided to entire offices or homes through adapted glass windows.
Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/zfv7v7/scientists_design_windows_that_convert_sunlight/izdqusi/
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ViciousNakedMoleRat t1_izdwt6k wrote
I don't quite see the benefit. They make it sound like it only requires sunlight and therefore reduces electricity costs, but that isn't the case.
>The Saudi innovation uses the polarisation of sunlight to transfer data by using smart glass elements known as dual-cell liquid crystal shutters (DLS).
The system still requires a modem and router, it just replaces the sending antenna with smart glass. I'm not sure what they use as the receiving antenna, since smart glass can't be used for that purpose.
Smart glass currently requires around 5 watts per square meter / 10 square foot. For it to cover several rooms or large areas, there would have to be many smart windows.
The WiFi antenna of a standard fiber router requires about 5 watts.
So, a normal WiFi router uses less electricity and doesn't require line of sight to the antenna. It also doesn't require a separate method to receive data from the device.
mbrothers222 t1_ize37oc wrote
They should invent trees which convert solar radiation to internet. Then we have a chance at protecting the green around us
LovesGettingRandomPm t1_izeabc0 wrote
I like that they support technology that doesn't look like it will be practical but at least talk about how it can be useful in the future, who likes internet that turns off when the sun goes down, ppl on the south pole?
Pure_Amoeba_5870 t1_izebb8y wrote
I imagine being on the internet after hours is a sin or whatever, because religion.
randommouse t1_izebtya wrote
That title is terrible. You can't just convert energy into an internet connection. "Let me turn on my generator and create an internet"
trundlinggrundle t1_izee12h wrote
Yes, and these windows require sunlight....
WimbleWimble t1_izee1x4 wrote
Saudi Arabia: omg! they're reducing reliance on oil...quick...make up some shit to trick a bunch of idiots out of their investment money....
Cawdor t1_izee3oo wrote
Thou shalt not lay awake at 3am doom-scrolling and porn hubbing
UpsAndDownsNeverEnd t1_izefxx1 wrote
And do what instead? Sleep? Blasphemy!
FearlessDoodle t1_izej2i2 wrote
Maybe read the article. It isn’t just converting sunlight to energy.
Ratdrake t1_izeltr5 wrote
I wasn't aware that batteries also stored internet signals.
randommouse t1_izenkdw wrote
Maybe read my post because I said the title is terrible, not the article.
Deyln t1_izenr5p wrote
Don't forget that wireless is one of the useful ones which separating data traffic is of use. Offload from the net at no extra cost as opposed to charging for the service.
This would allow for different bandwidths and some usage of mesh webs from Windows to Windows down the street.
Which in turn can be used for security. Your window notices a void on transmission and pings your community video camera to focus on that genre area and to store some video. (Been a few years since I last saw an update on this one making it outside the lab.)
nospamkhanman t1_izeucli wrote
> sounds cool though to me that wireless Internet could be provided to entire offices or homes through adapted glass windows.
For one, night exists.
The other thing is, it's probably more efficient for the windows to just convert the solar energy directly to electricity and power tiny wireless access points.
Edwardc4gg t1_izf2rka wrote
they burn more electricity to do nothing, it's not a 'wireless internet'. ughhh this article is shit.
zoinkability t1_izf8f4z wrote
I think that's in book 14 of the Orange Catholic Bible
graypsofrad t1_izfgxc6 wrote
The article cookie requirements are too invasive. I gave it a pass.
dingos_among_us t1_izfxz4t wrote
This was included in the scientists’ discovery 🔬
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medium0rare t1_izhhsj9 wrote
Access point - $200
This magical window - probably thousands
CelticGaelic t1_izia1ph wrote
It seems to me this will also bring other meanings to the ever notorious phrase "Windows has stopped working"
Flaky-Fish6922 t1_izibun8 wrote
next the windows will invent WinPorn.... the most frequented sunshine website.
Flaky-Fish6922 t1_iziccn6 wrote
or if for some reason you're really hellbent on using light as a medium for transmission, an infrared system. feels a lot like they has a solution and went looking for a problem.
Deyln t1_izl0pdq wrote
Yep. I was thinking more that it'd allow for a better/multiple viewing angles for porch pirates.
mancinedinburgh OP t1_izdqusi wrote
Windows as modems? Swiss scientists recently announced they had created windows that convert sunlight directly into electricity. This seems to be in a similar vein, whereby polarisation of sunlight is converted into binary code used to send signals to devices in a particular room. Goodbye router boxes? Perhaps. It sounds cool though to me that wireless Internet could be provided to entire offices or homes through adapted glass windows.