Non-Nuclear Energy

Nanoantenna Electromagnetic Collectors

Related Patents:  7,792,644 ; 8,071,931 ; 8,283,619 ; Patent Pending

Contact: David R. Anderson

Phone: (208) 526-0837

E-mail:  Send E-mail

Idaho National Laboratory is offering the opportunity to license, develop, and commercialize a disruptive new technology for collecting energy that may dramatically improve efficiency and reduce production costs. The new INL technology, which recently won two 2007 Nano50 awards, uses a special manufacturing process to stamp and deposit nano-scale antennas and backplanes of conducting metal onto a thin sheet of plastic. These Nanoantenna Electromagnetic Collectors (NECs), as an alternative energy solar collector, would be passive, cost-effective, have a reduced footprint, a minimal signature, and collect energy at night and during the day. Light, flexible substrates can be used, meaning NECs have the potential to be incorporated in vehicles and clothing shells as well as highly-portable panels. Easily-stored, ultra-light NEC panels can reduce weight and volume stresses, while providing an efficient, rechargeable energy source. In addition, batteries charged with NECs have the potential to be field-deployable, self-sustainable energy sources. The INL’s Nanoantenna Electromagnetic Collectors show all the signs of a disruptive, transformational technology and promises to be a highly-efficient energy harvester.