Drilling technology designed for the European Space Agency’s Mars probe could deliver a portable charger that could revolutionise the electric car industry here on Earth.
The ESA reports that the device would draw the same voltage as a vacuum cleaner thanks to a tiny transformer.
The charger is a by-product of a project to develop a space drill that could be used on Mars or on asteroids. It has been developed by Norwegian company Zaptec as part of its plasma drill research and development.
The ESA believes the plasma drill – using hot, electrically charged gas – will be more efficient at slicing through rocks in space than traditional drills.
“Rotary drills are inefficient in space,” says Zaptec’s CEO, Brage Johansen. “They suffer friction in the borehole and require heavy equipment.”
Zaptec’s innovation lies in the compact transformers that provide the voltage for the plasma spark, thanks to advanced cooling techniques and miniaturisation.
“We realised that the same transformers we were developing for the space drill could also make the best chargers for electric cars,” says Brage.
Originally published by Cosmos as Space drill technology may be boost for Earthbound electric cars
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
