Samsung Conducts Solar Power Research... "Expecting Application in Galaxy Watch 5"

Let'sGoDigital US Patent Citation Report

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Samsung Electronics is reportedly developing a patented technology that charges electronic devices using solar power. When applied, the solution is expected to significantly improve the battery efficiency of wearable devices, including the Galaxy Watch series.

On the 28th (local time), Dutch IT media LetsGoDigital reported, citing a patent document filed by Samsung Electronics with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

A representation of Samsung Electronics' solar power generation patented technology embodied in electronic devices.

According to LetsGoDigital, Samsung Electronics filed a patent with the USPTO in mid-2019 for an "electronic device including multiple types of solar cells." Additional documents were submitted on January 12 of this year, and the total 22-page patent was published on the 16th.

The core idea is to extend battery life by charging solar energy through two solar cells placed on a solar strap.

Solar power generation is a technology that converts sunlight into electrical energy. According to the patent, Samsung uses solar cells capable of photoelectric conversion and polymers containing quantum dots that alter the path of light. The solar cells capture light passing through the polymer, which is then converted into electrical energy. In this process, various types of solar cells with different wavelength bands are applied to increase efficiency.

Batteries have long been a limitation for all wearable devices, including smartwatches. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 lasts 24 hours, and the latest model, the Galaxy Watch4, lasts between 24 to 48 hours. As the resource burden increases due to running more applications (apps), power consumption rises, but the portability, which is essential for wearables, cannot be sacrificed.

LetsGoDigital stated, "It is uncertain whether this technology will be seen again in the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Watch5 next year," but added, "However, theoretically, it is a perfect solution. It has also been proven by brands such as Garmin and Casio."