BASF, Philips Develop OLED Technology

A

s green initiatives and energy saving becomes more and more popular, it's expected that we'll see new technologies surface that help conserve power when possible. Such is the case with BASF and Phillips' development of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology, which would be integrated into car roofs to provide energy without using electricity. But how?

With OLED, you'd be able to light up your interior  without having to switch on a light bulb.

OLEDs are transparent when switched off, which allows for a clear view out of the car, and they provide light inside the car only when switched on (much like a regular light). The transparent OLED structure can be combined with transparent solar cells as well, in order to allow for new approaches in automotive lighting.

What will be next in the realm of green initiatives within vehicles?

The OLED concept for car roofs comes from a longstanding cooperation between BASF and Philips, wherein the two companies worked together to research and develop OLED modules. Dr. Felix Gorth, head of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes and Organic Photovoltaics at BASF Future Business GmbH, said, "This combination [of OLED and solar cells] allows the driver to enjoy a unique open space feeling while it generates electricity during the day and pleasantly suffuses the interior with the warm light of the transparent, highly efficient OLEDs at night." In other words, you'd be able to light up the interior of your vehicle without actually having to switch on a light bulb.

This is just the first in what will most likely be a long line of energy-saving initiatives and alternative energy sources, so get ready—you'll want to be paying attention to these.

[Source: Printed Electronics World]

[Photos: Wikipedia, Engadget]