At the recent FPD International, an exhibition and convention on flat panel displays held in Japan, AU Optronics Corp presented a concept e-reader that is self powered and also as flexible as a piece of paper.
According to AU Optronics: For flexible display technologies, AUO's 6" Rollable Organic TFT E-paper is made pliable with high efficiency parts and plastic materials (PEN). Users can place the E-paper in their briefcases or purses without worry of damage. In addition, with its optimized charging circuit design, AUO's 6" Unplugged Flexible E-paper offers considerable power-savings, and its eco-friendly design allows it to be charged through solar power or indoor lighting with no plug in necessary. The company calls the device "Un-plugged Flexible E-paper Display."
AU Optronics used flexible products for both the e-paper and the PV battery. The PV battery weighs 10g and has a conversion efficiency of around 3.6% with the output voltage at the time of power generation from light being 12V. The device also comes with an external rechargeable battery for use in areas of low lighting.
Other solar powered e-readers include one by LG Display which features a photovoltaic cell to provide energy with 4.5 hours of sunlight providing a full days worth of reading time.
