|
Natural Clothing with Solar Power Chargers In the Works at ColoradoState University Apr 18, 2012 Colorado State University apparel design and production researchersand students are working to develop natural-fiber outdoor clothingthat can charge MP3 devices, tablets, computers, GPS units and cellphones with built-in -- but comfortable to wear -- solar panels.The project is so impressive that it was recently selected tocompete in a sustainability design competition in Washington, D.C.,from April 21-23. The project intends to also reduce pollution on two fronts. First,the clothing will use the most recent research and technology tomake natural fibers such as cotton and linen as outdoor savvy asother petroleum-based textiles which are heralded by outdoorenthusiasts for warmth, UV ray protection, comfort andmoisture-wicking. Second, the clothing will provide a solar sourceof energy for electronic devices, reducing alkaline battery use. Eulanda Sanders and Ajoy Sarkar, associate professors in theDepartment of Design and Merchandising, along with four students,are currently developing natural-fiber outdoor clothing prototypesthat harvest energy while the wearer participates in outdooractivities. This project is unique in that there are no current apparelproducts that combine solar power with natural fibers, saidEulanda Sanders, a professor in the Department of Design andMerchandising who specializes in apparel design and production.While a few solar-powered smart outdoor apparel items are onthe market, they are functionally flawed with solar panels that aredifficult to launder or wear and are not aesthetically pleasing. The team is using only UV-treated natural fiber fabric, such ascotton or linen, rather than petroleum-based textiles, whichcontribute to pollution. The researchers have discovered that theright selection of fabric and weave, thickness, weight, dyeing andfinishing of natural fabrics provides excellent protection from UVrays. The group has developed prototypes of three jackets, a vestand two helmets --one ski helmet with Blue tooth capabilities andone for possible military use. We believe this will fill a need in the market for the manyenvironmentally-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, Sarkar said. Theoverall goal is to develop natural, solar-powering clothing itemswith functionality, durability and comfort while also beingaesthetically stylish. Undergraduate apparel design students Logan Garey and Anna Rieder,merchandising student Jared Blumentripp and engineering studentErick Guack, are collaborating to develop outdoor gear with solarpanels. Key factors in the success of these garments will include the costand flexibility of the panels and strategic placement to maximizesun exposure. Comfortable and easy-to-launder panel attachmentpoints and wiring also will be important design features. In thesecond phase of the project, they also are considering designs thatcould be later adopted by road construction workers. The team will present their project and prototypes at the NationalSustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C. They will be among 45teams selected from 150 team applications from across the countrythat were selected to compete in the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency s People, Prosperity and the Planet student competition. IfCSU students win, they ll receive additional funding to markettheir idea. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Construction Hoist Elevator Manufacturer , Suspended Platform Cradle, and more. For more , please visit Suspended Platform Cradle today!
Related Articles -
Construction Hoist Elevator Manufacturer, Suspended Platform Cradle,
|
