Engineers develop wearable solar device to power soldiers’ gear in the field
Summary
A US soldier may carry up to 20 pounds (9 kg) of batteries for communications equipment and other electronics, so wearable power technology could potentially help reduce that burden.
What Happened
Engineers at Florida International University have developed SOLED, a razor-thin device that works both as a solar cell and a light-emitting device. Researchers say it could eventually be integrated into soldiers’ uniforms or equipment, helping reduce dependence on batteries, generators and resupply operations. The research was published in Nano Energy.
Why It Matters
A US soldier may carry up to 20 pounds (9 kg) of batteries for communications equipment and other electronics, so wearable power technology could potentially help reduce that burden.
Key Takeaways
The perovskite-based device converts sunlight into electricity at up to 22% efficiency and, when operated in reverse, emits light at nearly 11% efficiency. Its emission peaks at 818 nanometres, making it potentially useful with technologies such as night-vision sensors and biometric scanners. Researchers are now working on scaling the technology toward sizes suitable for products.