Colorado students develop solar-powered textiles
Apparel design and production researchers and students at Colorado State University are working to develop natural-fibre outdoor clothing that can charge MP3 devices, tablets, computers, GPS units and cell phones with built-in solar panels.
The project aims to also reduce pollution on two fronts, according to a statement from the university. First, the researchers will use recent technology to make natural fibres such as cotton and linen as functional as other petroleum-based textiles. Second, the clothing will provide a solar source of energy for electronic devices, reducing alkaline battery use.
Eulanda Sanders and Ajoy Sarkar, associate professors in the Department of Design and Merchandising, along with four students, are currently developing natural-fibre outdoor clothing prototypes that harvest energy while the wearer participates in outdoor activities.
“This project is unique in that there are no current apparel products that combine solar power with natural fibres,” said Eulanda Sanders, who specialises in apparel design and production. While a few solar-powered “smart” outdoor apparel items are on the market, they are functionally flawed with solar panels that are difficult to launder or wear and are not aesthetically pleasing, the university claims.
The team is using only UV-treated natural fibre fabric, such as cotton or linen, rather than petroleum-based textiles, which contribute to pollution. The researchers have discovered that the right selection of fabric and weave, thickness, weight, dyeing and finishing of natural fabrics provides excellent protection from UV rays. The group has developed prototypes of three jackets, a vest and two helmets – one ski helmet with bluetooth capabilities and one for possible military use.
“We believe this will fill a need in the market for the many environmentally-conscious outdoor enthusiasts,” Mr Sarkar said. The overall goal is to develop natural, solar-powering clothing items with functionality, durability and comfort while also being aesthetically stylish.
Undergraduate apparel design students Logan Garey and Anna Rieder, merchandising student Jared Blumentripp and engineering student Erick Guack, are collaborating to develop outdoor gear with solar panels.
Key factors in the success of these garments will include the cost and flexibility of the panels and strategic placement to maximise sun exposure. Comfortable and easy-to-launder panel attachment points and wiring will also be important design features. In the second phase of the project, they also are considering designs that could be later adopted by road construction workers.
The team will present their project and prototypes at the National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, D.C. They will be among 45 teams selected from 150 team applications from across the country that were selected to compete in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity and the Planet student competition.
