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A new device (设备) works like a solar panel, except it doesn't harvest energy from the sun to produce electricity. Instead, it uses energy from the cold night sky.

In the center of this device is a thermoelectric generator (热电发电机), which uses the temperature difference between Earth and outer space to create electricity.

As long as one side of it is cooler than the other, the generator can produce electricity. The cooler side faces the sky and is attached to an aluminum plate. That plate is sealed under a transparent cover and surrounded with materials that keep heat out. It stays cooler than the surrounding air by getting rid of any heat it absorbs as infrared (红外线的) radiation. That radiation can zip up through the transparent cover and on toward outer space.

The bottom of the generator is attached to an exposed aluminum plate, which is warmed by the local air. At night, the top plate can get several degrees centigrade cooler than the bottom of the generator.

Researchers tested the device one clear December night in Stanford, Calif. The generator produced up to about 25 milliwatts of power per square meter of the device. That was just enough power to light a small electric lamp. Further improvements might develop its production to at least 500 milliwatts per square meter.

"It's a very clever idea," says Yuan Yang, a materials scientist who works at Columbia University in New York City. "The device still needs improving," he notes. "But this new device may be useful for backup power," Yang says. "It might also provide a bit of energy to people living in areas that lack electricity."

"The device could help power remote weather stations or other environmental devices," says Aaswath Raman, a materials scientist who worked on the device at the University of California, Los Angeles. What's more, this may be useful in areas that don't see sunlight for months at a time, Raman adds.

1.How is the device designed?

A.It includes two aluminum plates with different functions.

B.It is equipped with a heat resistant generator in the center.

C.Its two aluminum plates are exposed to air to keep heat out.

D.Its generator is sealed by a transparent cover to remain cool.

2.What is the limitation with the tested device?

A.It won't be expanded to be much larger.

B.It fails to produce electricity fast enough.

C.It is unable to power small electric lamps.

D.It produces a limited amount of electricity.

3.In paragraph 6, Yuan Yang mainly intends to       .

A.evaluate the device on a positive basis

B.point out the problems with the device

C.explain the research work for the device

D.comment on Aaswath Raman's prediction

4.What can be a suitable title for the text?

A.Lamps Are Powered by the Energy From the Cold Night Sky

B.A Generator Producing Electricity Has Been Applied in Many Areas

C.Scientists Have Made a Breakthrough in Harvesting Green Energy

D.A Device Uses Energy From the Cold Night Sky to Produce Electricity

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题

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