Eco Factor: iPods powered by solar energy.
Apple’s employees have applied for a patent that relates to devices that are powered by onboard transparent solar cells. Dubbed the Power Management Circuitry and Solar Cells, the patent hints at new PMPs that are powered entirely by renewable energy.
The patent also deals with power electronics for managing electricity flow from multiple solar cells on a single device. And the application outlines the methods to ensure that the solar cells will only charge the battery where there is sufficient voltage being produced, else the device will directly be powered by solar energy.
Via: GreenPacks/CNet