Students of Aalto University Created a Jacket with Built-In Solar Panels
Francesca Mercurio — October 18, 2021 — Eco
References: dezeen
A collaborative effort amongst the design and physics students of Finland's Aalto University has resulted in a unique jacket that features built-in solar panels. Titled the Sun-Powered Textiles, the project's purpose was to make wearable energy-producing garments that do not compromise on aesthetics.
The Aalto University team explains, "the traditional way of integrating photovoltaics with textiles is to attach solar cells on the front surface of a textile to ensure maximum energy harvesting." However, this technique compromises the aesthetics of the garment as it produces a bulky look. Instead, the students designed a sleek and fitted jacket with hidden solar panels integrated underneath the material. The fabric chosen for the coat allows enough light to pass through to optimize energy harvesting.
The jacket is suitable for workwear and sportswear, and the students see a future for Sun-Powered Textiles in the curtain and screen industry.
Image Credit: Anne Kinnunen
The Aalto University team explains, "the traditional way of integrating photovoltaics with textiles is to attach solar cells on the front surface of a textile to ensure maximum energy harvesting." However, this technique compromises the aesthetics of the garment as it produces a bulky look. Instead, the students designed a sleek and fitted jacket with hidden solar panels integrated underneath the material. The fabric chosen for the coat allows enough light to pass through to optimize energy harvesting.
The jacket is suitable for workwear and sportswear, and the students see a future for Sun-Powered Textiles in the curtain and screen industry.
Image Credit: Anne Kinnunen
Trend Themes
1. Energy-producing Clothing - Design and physics students are teaming up to create clothing with built-in solar panels, opening up possibilities for wearable technology.
2. Sustainable Wearable Technology - The development of energy-harvesting clothing represents an opportunity to create a new category of sustainable wearable technology products.
3. Aesthetic Integration of Photovoltaics with Textiles - The integration of photovoltaics with textiles in an aesthetically-pleasing manner represents an opportunity for designers to enhance the functionality of clothing.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry has an opportunity to develop sustainable and functional wearable technology clothing products, opening up a new market for consumers.
2. Sportswear - Sun-powered textiles can be integrated into sportswear, opening up the possibility for athletes to use their clothing to power their devices while training or competing.
3. Construction and Interior Design - The curtain and screen industry can incorporate sun-powered textiles into its products, opening up new ways for buildings to generate renewable energy.
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