Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 219 Major Technological Upgrade
The mountain path in Dongyong Village was still shrouded in a light morning mist, and the air was crisp and moist.

Chen Mo, dressed in a light, dark gray windbreaker, carried two empty baskets and walked briskly ahead.

Following behind him, Lu Qingyue had shed her usual sharp investment banking suit and put on fitted jeans and comfortable hiking boots. Her long, black hair was tied into a neat low ponytail, making her look less sharp and more relaxed and at ease.

The two walked slowly up the slightly slippery stone steps, and the sea breeze mixed with the fresh scent of grass and trees on the hillside rushed towards them.

In the distance, the azure coastline and the silhouette of steep cliffs are faintly visible in the thin mist.

On the horizon, the golden rays of sunrise stubbornly peeked out from behind the thick clouds, casting a soft, warm glow over everything.

"I never expected there to be such a quiet place in Shenzhen!"

Lu Qingyue stopped, slightly out of breath, and looked at the few snow-white seabirds flying past the cliff edge, his tone filled with undisguised surprise.

Chen Mo stood half a step to her side, following her gaze, a smile playing on his lips, and pointed to a dense pine forest in front of him.

"If you walk uphill for about ten minutes, you'll find the strawberry farm under those pine trees. It's grown by local farmers without pesticides, so the strawberries taste amazing!"

Sure enough, after passing through the pine forest, a well-maintained strawberry field came into view.

Amidst the lush green vines, bright red strawberries, like rubies, are scattered about, glistening with morning dew, making them exceptionally tempting.

The secretary, Zhou Yumeng, had already contacted the owner and given them a generous picking fee, so the two were allowed to enter the strawberry field.

The two put down their small baskets, squatted on the edge of the field, and, like treasure hunters, carefully avoided the tender leaves with their fingertips, gently plucking the ripe and plump fruits.

Occasionally, their fingertips would touch the leaves covered in cool dew, making them shiver slightly. They would then look at each other and smile, and a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere would fill the air.

Lu Qingyue carefully picked out a particularly plump, deep red strawberry and held it to Chen Mo's lips, a sly smile in her eyes: "Try it? It looks sweet!"

Chen Mo stared blankly at the still-moist strawberry on his lips, seemingly not expecting this sudden intimate gesture.

He looked up and met Lu Qingyue's smiling eyes, paused for a moment, and then gently bit down.

The sweet and slightly sour juice explodes on the tongue, carrying the rich aroma unique to strawberries.

"Mmm, it's very sweet!" Chen Mo swallowed the strawberry, raised an eyebrow at Lu Qingyue, and said with a hint of teasing, "You should try some too, it's even sweeter than the oranges I gave you last time!"

Lu Qingyue smiled and withdrew her hand, then took a small bite herself, savoring the taste.
Then, she slowly said, "Each has its own way of being sweet. But it's always more meaningful to pick them together by hand!"

Her words were light and airy, yet they brushed against Chen Mo's heart like a feather.

Before we knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and twilight began to spread along the mountain path like an ink painting.

The two carried small baskets filled with strawberries, which smelled sweet, and walked back along the way they had come.

The setting sun cast long shadows of them, which intertwined.

Lu Qingyue suddenly spoke, her voice as soft as if carried by the evening mountain breeze: "Tonight is New Year's Eve, do you have any plans?"

Chen Mo paused almost imperceptibly, turning his head to look at her.

The setting sun cast a soft glow on her face, and a barely perceptible hint of apology flickered in his eyes as he spoke steadily.

"I have some important things to take care of first thing tomorrow morning!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingyue did not stop walking. She simply hummed softly, maintaining a polite smile on her lips, but a fleeting, elusive hint of disappointment flashed across the depths of her eyes.

She quickly composed herself and said in a relaxed tone, "Work is important, after all, it's the end of the year, I understand!"

Chen Mo looked at her somewhat frail profile in the twilight, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something to explain or comfort her, but in the end, he swallowed those words and only made a promise instead.

"Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll take you to see the sunset at the beach next time. I promise it will be even more spectacular than the sunrise this morning!"

Upon reaching the exit of the mountain road, driver Xiao Zheng was already waiting there in his unassuming black Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221) sedan.

Chen Mo stepped forward and opened the car door for Lu Qingyue: "Shall I have Xiao Zheng take you back to the hotel first?"

Lu Qingyue nodded, and before bending down to get into the car, she looked back at him one last time, her smile gentle: "The strawberries were delicious today, thank you for the arrangements!"

Chen Mo stood beside the car, watching the window slowly rise, blocking out that smiling face, and then watched the car smoothly drive into the deepening twilight street until the taillights disappeared.

He then turned around and got into another waiting car behind him, with Zhou Yumeng sitting in the front passenger seat.

Chen Mo placed the basket of strawberries down, his fingertips unconsciously stroking a small piece of fresh green strawberry leaf clinging to the edge of the basket. The sweet aroma filled his nostrils, yet a strange, inexplicable tenderness and melancholy welled up in his heart.

"Let's go! Go home!"

The car drove towards the apartment, and the streetlights outside the window lit up one after another, creating a dazzling and festive atmosphere on the eve of New Year's Day.

Chen Mo gazed at the night view rushing past the window, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly took out his phone, found Lu Qingyue's number, and edited a short text message.

Wishing you a Happy New Year in advance! The strawberries were sweet, let's watch the sunset next time!

After successfully sending the message, he put his phone away, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and stopped thinking about it.

Chen Mo's reason for declining Lu Qingyue's New Year's Eve invitation was simple and absolute.
At midnight tonight, the "black technology mobile phone R&D system" in his mind will be settling its annual R&D points.

This is a crucial moment concerning his future technological plans, and he cannot afford any disruptions.

This year, the products that Chen Mo can calculate R&D points for are mainly two: the main model "Orange 2" and the enhanced version "Orange 2Q" which will be launched in November.

However, "Orange 2Q" has only been on the market for a short time, so it is estimated that it will not contribute many research and development points.

Back in his top-floor apartment, Chen Mo brewed a strong cup of tea, forcing himself to stay awake.

He first browsed technical forums and checked out domestic industry news, then dealt with the backlog of work emails, finally getting through midnight.

The moment the clock hands overlapped, the familiar system notification sounded in his mind right on time.

[System Notification: 2011 R&D point settlement completed!]

【橙子2销量990万台，橙子2Q销量16万台，违规销量404万台。】

[According to system calculations, a total of 600 million R&D points were obtained in this settlement.]

[The data has been synchronized to the R&D Center account. Please check your inbox.]

Overall, revenue from R&D this year has increased compared to last year.

The reason is clear: "Orange 2" sold out rapidly in the hot market, which was in line with the times and contributed a lot.

The fact that the same "404 million units of illegal sales" was exactly the same as last year made Chen Mo wonder if the system was trying to "collect taxes" in a different way.

However, he was quite satisfied with the settlement of 600 million points.

With the 3 points remaining in his account from last year, Chen Mo now has a total of 603 million research and development points at his disposal.

His gaze fell upon the three cutting-edge technologies in the research and development list that urgently needed upgrading: Level 1 calcium titanium solar cells, Level 1 phoenix glass, and Level 1 leaf vein micro-cooling system.

These Level 1 technologies are either not mature enough or their performance is only on par with or slightly higher than the mainstream technologies in the market, lacking an overwhelming advantage.

Chen Mo must rely on the system for in-depth research and development to create a generational gap.

The system's development rules are clear: the research and development points for cutting-edge, self-developed technologies increase tenfold with each level.

Level 0 → Level 1: 1 million points
Level 1 → Level 2: 10 million points
Level 2 → Level 3: 100 million points
Level 3 → Level 4: 1000 million points
Level 4 → Level 5: 1 million points
Chen Mo first focused on the research and development of secondary perovskite solar cells.

After all, he had previously promised the relevant parties that he would release a second-generation technology with significantly improved performance this year.

[System Notification: You have invested 10 R&D points to initiate the development of a secondary perovskite solar cell, with a 100% success rate!]

The R&D points balance instantly became: 593 million points.

The research and development process has begun and is being pushed forward at full speed. Please wait patiently.

Time slipped away as Chen Mo unconsciously swiped his phone screen and drowsiness kept creeping in.

Half an hour later, a crisp notification sound woke him up.

[System notification: Development complete! Congratulations on obtaining the iterative solution for secondary perovskite solar cells: 3J (triple junction stack) - quantum well configuration.]

Similar to the previously obtained Level 2 gaseous lithium technology (MOF-honeycomb configuration), the core of Level 2 perovskite solar technology is also an innovative internal configuration of the battery.

Adopting this "3J-quantum well configuration" brings three key performance improvements:

Power generation efficiency: increased from 26.1% in Level 1 to 28.7%, an increase of 2.36 percentage points.

Compared to the first-generation photovoltaic solar panels currently on the market, its efficiency is about 1.6 times higher, demonstrating a clear advantage.

机械强度：从1级的550MPa提升至2级的632.5MPa，提升了15%。

虽然仍略逊于国内最先进的鞍刚第二代甲板钢（690MPa）标准，但差距已经大幅缩小。    自充放电效率：充放电倍率从1级的1C提升至2级的3C，速度提升3倍，更接近与超级电容器适配的理想标准。

Chen Mo had four core requirements in mind for the "integrated deck system of calcium titanium solar energy + supercapacitor + energy storage": high-efficiency power generation, fast charging and discharging (supercapacitor characteristics), safe energy storage, and structural strength (deck).

Second-generation perovskite solar cell technology has made significant progress in power generation, energy storage, and structural strength, but it still seems to fall short in terms of the 3C rate capability required by "supercapacitors" for rapid charging and discharging.

Although experts have said that it can be adapted through system integration technology, that requires time and additional research and development.

Chen Mo decided to see what surprises the Level 3 research and development could bring, as a way to make some forward-looking technological reserves for the future maritime advantages of the "Hu Jian ship".

So he launched the three-level research and development without hesitation.

[System Notification: You have invested 1 million research points to initiate the research and development of a Level 3 perovskite solar cell, with a 100% success rate!]

The balance of R&D points has decreased to 493 million points.

The research and development process has begun and is being pushed forward at full speed. Please wait patiently.

Another half hour of waiting.

[System notification: Development complete! Congratulations on obtaining the iterative solution for the three-level perovskite solar cell: dual-pulse discharge technology.]

As expected! Chen Mo guessed correctly.

The Level 3 technology has indeed solved the key technical difficulties of supercapacitors, further increasing the self-charge and discharge rate to an astonishing 5C.

At the same time, the power generation efficiency has once again taken a leap, reaching an astonishing 32.1%, which is almost twice the efficiency of ordinary photovoltaic panels on the market.

Its mechanical strength also reached an astonishing 715MPa, which not only surpasses the current mainstream third-generation deck steel standard of 690MPa, but also shows a slight lead.

Based on his memories from later generations, Chen Mo clearly understood that the published 800MPa of both the AK series deck steel from Great Ross and the HY series deck steel from North America was exaggerated; at most, it was the standard of 690MPa from Anshan Iron and Steel.

Of course, performance improvements also come with increased costs: Level 2 technology is expected to increase costs by 15%, while Level 3 technology will increase costs by 30%.

The specific option to choose depends on the comprehensive considerations mentioned above.

In any case, Yuancheng New Energy's current industrial capabilities make it absolutely impossible to mass-produce this Level 3 technology; the cost of key materials alone would be unbearable.

This is a cutting-edge technology in the civilian sector that is valuable but unavailable for sale.

Chen Mo estimated that the higher-ups wouldn't allow him to engage in military exports for the time being!

Having solved the problem of the perovskite solar cell technology, which is crucial to the national strategic layout, Chen Mo turned his attention back to his company's core business.

Both Phoenix Glass and the leaf vein micro-cooling system are still at level 1, and their technological advantages are not obvious. They must be upgraded as soon as possible.

He continued to invest in research and development.

[System Notification: You have invested 100,000 R&D points to initiate the Level 2 Phoenix Glass R&D project, with a 100% success rate!]

Research and development points balance: 483 million points.

The research and development process has begun and is being pushed forward at full speed. Please wait patiently.

Half an hour later.

[System Notification: Development Complete! Congratulations on obtaining the Level 2 Phoenix Glass Iterative Solution: In-Precision Molding (IPGM) Technology.]

The second-generation Phoenix Glass (FH-2.0) adopts embedded precision molding technology, the core of which lies in high-precision molds (tungsten steel alloy, temperature resistance 1800℃) and strict process control (pressure 80-120MPa, preheating temperature 700℃, etc.).

This precision machining technology has resulted in a significant performance improvement.

Light transmittance: increased from 90% to 95%.

Thermal stability: Improved from 1200℃ to 1800℃.

Thermal insulation efficiency: increased from 60%-70% to 70%-85%.

硬度：从莫氏6级跃升至7-8级，接近三晶高端M14超晶釉玻璃的8.2级，抗刮性提升50%。

This technology came at a very opportune time, and can be applied to the die-casting production line newly acquired by Orange Micro Motor, forming exclusive processing capabilities and avoiding potential dependence on the original company's technology for up to six months and the ensuing disputes.

Chen Mo was determined to challenge the market share of optical glass preform giants such as Xiaote, Kangning, and Xuxiaozi, but the parameters of FH-2.0 were not impressive enough.

He decided to continue investing in it.

[System Notification: You have invested 1 million research points to initiate the development of Level 3 Phoenix Glass, with a 100% success rate!]

Research and development points balance: 383 million points.

The research and development process has begun and is being pushed forward at full speed. Please wait patiently.

Half an hour later.

[System Notification: Development Complete! Congratulations on obtaining the Level 3 Phoenix Glass Iteration Solution: Composite Coating Technology.]

Now, Phoenix Glass has a complete set of core technologies, from glass melting and precision die casting to high-end coating!

The parameters of the Level 3 Phoenix Glass (FH-3.0) have achieved a generational upgrade:

It has a light transmittance of up to 99%.

The thermal insulation efficiency reaches 85%-90%.

It has thermal stability that can withstand high temperatures of 2200℃, and its light transmittance remains at 85% even at low temperatures of -20℃.

Its hardness reaches 8-9 on the Mohs scale, and its impact resistance can withstand wind pressure up to level 10.

Of course, FH-3.0 also has extremely high requirements for equipment and processes, which is difficult for Orange Technology to achieve in the short term given its current capabilities.

Chen Mo plans to initially enter the market by selling optical glass blanks to accumulate capital and experience.

Having secured Phoenix Glass, Chen Mo looked at the remaining 383 million R&D points and decided to go all out and upgrade the Leaf Vein Micro-Cooling System to Level 3 as well.

First, invest 10 points to develop Level 2 technology.

[System notification: Development complete! Congratulations on obtaining the iterative solution for the two-stage blade micro-cooling system: MOF filler material technology!]

The Level 2 system [MOF-Secondary Vein Network] mainly focuses on structural reinforcement: the main vein of the leaf branches into 4 levels of secondary veins (50 micrometers wide), and MOF material is filled in the channel to greatly increase the heat dissipation surface area.

冷却液流速提升至3mm/s（1级的2倍），热覆盖率提升至85%，芯片区域温差调节范围从15度扩大到18度。

This can be considered a steady improvement.

Chen Mo then invested 100 million points to develop Level 3 technology.

[System Notification: Development Complete! Congratulations on obtaining the iterative solution for the three-stage blade micro-cooling system: gaseous working fluid (nanofluid) technology!]

The Level 3 system, Pneumatic Boosting Veins, achieves a performance leap: the vein structure is further refined to 8 levels of fractal veins (20 micrometers wide), and a high-efficiency booster pump is integrated.

Its core cutting-edge technology lies in the use of a gaseous working medium (nanofluid), which has a diffusion speed of up to 15 cm/s under pressure, 12 times that of the traditional excellent coolant sulfur hexafluoride!
Its performance parameters are astonishing: it can achieve a cooling effect of 18°C ​​within 5 seconds, surpassing the 8°C cooling record of sulfur hexafluoride.

The maximum temperature difference in the system chip area can reach 28°C.

Upon seeing the term "gas-phase working fluid nanofluid," Chen Mo, a materials science graduate, was struck by a jolt!
Before he traveled through time, this thing was still a legendary super coolant whose gas phase stability was a problem that laboratories were struggling to solve until 2025!
Compared to traditional sulfur hexafluoride, nanofluids offer comprehensive advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, energy consumption, cooling efficiency, and system simplification, making them an ideal revolutionary alternative.

Its thermal conductivity is 12 times that of sulfur hexafluoride, its driving energy consumption is extremely low (only 0.5W), and its raw material cost is only one-tenth of that of sulfur hexafluoride!

The only technical barrier is the gas-phase stability of the working fluid, but the system provides a mature and reliable solution.

what does this mean?
This means that this technology is powerful enough to overturn the entire existing coolant market!
This isn't about opening up a new market like with gaseous lithium batteries; it's about directly seizing or even eliminating the existing giants' market share!

The market upheaval and conflicts of interest it triggers may be more severe than those caused by gaseous lithium technology.

Chen Mo frowned, lost in thought.

Given the sensitivity and disruptive nature of this technology, should we consider collaborating with a powerful domestic chemical giant that can withstand pressure through technology licensing to advance it, in order to avoid prematurely falling into a brutal market struggle?

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he completely failed to notice a tiny, inconspicuous note beneath the densely packed system description of nanofluid technology:
[Topology protection: Maintains extreme low-temperature stability (-273.1499℃ experimental simulation value) when defects do not cause thermal disturbance]

This hint seems to suggest that there are far more potential applications hidden behind this technology than he imagined.

The sky outside the window is already showing the pale light of the new year.

Chen Mo rubbed his throbbing temples. The solitude of New Year's Eve felt more mentally taxing than a business negotiation.

The future technological path of the Orange Group seems to have become clearer, but also more complex.

(End of this chapter)