Abstract
AbstractThis work demonstrates a novel and sustainable energy solution in the form of a photovoltaic fabric that can deliver a reliable energy source for wearable and mobile devices. The solar fabric was woven using electronic yarns created by embedding miniature crystalline silicon solar cells connected with fine copper wires within the fibres of a textile yarn. This approach of integrating solar energy harvesting capability within the heart of the textile fabric allows it to retain the flexibility, three‐dimensional deformability, and moisture and heat transfer characteristics of the fabric. In this investigation, both the design and performance of the solar cell embedded yarns and solar energy harvesting fabrics were explored. These yarns and resultant fabrics were characterised under different light intensities and at different angles of incident light, a critical factor for a wearable device. The solar cell embedded yarns woven into fabrics can undergo domestic laundering and maintained ~90% of their original power output after 15 machine wash cycles. The solar fabric embedded with 200 solar cells demonstrated here (44.5 mm × 45.5 mm active area) was capable of continuously generating ~2.15 mW/cm2 under one sun illumination and was capable of powering a basic mobile phone. The power generation capability and durability of the solar energy harvesting fabric proved its viability to power wearable devices as an integral part of regular clothing.
Highlights
This work presents a novel photovoltaic (PV) textile, which has been designed to provide a sustainable and fully embedded energy solution for wearable and mobile electronic devices
The textile sheath allowed the yarn to take any colour without significantly altering its optoelectronic performance. This method is applicable for embedding different types of solar cells (SCs) within textiles; this paper focuses on crystalline silicon (c‐Si) type SCs given their high efficiencies
Miniature SC embedded yarns, and resultant solar energy harvesting fabrics that possess the features of a textile fabric, have been presented for the first time
Summary
This work presents a novel photovoltaic (PV) textile, which has been designed to provide a sustainable and fully embedded energy solution for wearable and mobile electronic devices. The discrete micropods and the fibrous sheath provided the solar‐E‐yarns with a low bending rigidity and a high degree of porosity enabling the transfer of moisture and heat through the E‐yarns, and resultant fabrics This feature was crucial to prevent discomfort to the user caused by thermal and sweat build‐up, especially during warm and sunny conditions.[50] The textile sheath allowed the yarn to take any colour without significantly altering its optoelectronic performance. The ability of the solar energy harvesting fabric demonstrator to charge various energy storage devices (such as batteries and supercapacitors) was assessed This unique approach of embedding solar energy harvesting capabilities within textiles will revolutionise the way in which wearable and mobile electronic devices will be powered in the future. This technology allows for the creation of a solar energy harvesting fabric where the end user will not have to compromise on reusability, appearance, or comfort
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