Solar Energized Dress Mobile Chargers

Stranded without a charger or electricity? Don’t panic!!! You could still charge mobile, that too using the dress you are wearing!!! Why just mobiles, you could power up laptops with the bags while a trip.

Researchers at Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat based Sardar Patel University (SPU) have developed solar cells using organic dyes which are not only much less expensive than the traditionally used silicon based panels but are also flexible. Infact, unlike the silicon panels that are widely available in the market but can be used only as roof installation on terraces, the indigenously developed solar cells developed by SPU team can be fixed on the exterior walls, buildings, windows, doors and even clothes.

This dye sensitized solar cells that they have developed are so flexible that army jawans can put them on their uniforms and charge cell phones where electricity is not available. Also, unlike silicon based panels, this solar cells efficiently can work when sunlight is dim. They are low cost, easy to manufacture and have less payback time. The dye sensitized solar cells work on the principle similar to that of photosynthesis in plants where chlorophyll harvests sunlight and produces energy.

Here, organic dyes are light harvester and convert sunlight into electrical energy. As compared to silicon panels, which cost high due to imported silica and other raw materials, these newly developed panels cost much less. For instance, a 5X5 cm silicon solar panel costs Rs. 490/- while dye based panel costs Rs. 120/- only. The researchers have so far received efficiency of 10% using the newly developed panels during laboratory tests and are hopeful that it will reach 14% in future.

Matter Referenced:  Times of India, Ahmedabad, Saturday, 12th May, 2018.

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