Abstract
This paper introduces ‘SYN-ENERGY’ a novel Sustainable Product Design (SPD) concept. SYN-ENERGY is the synergy obtained by smart integration of energy conversion and storage media into one functional unit. To demonstrate the validity of this concept, an analysis is presented of the ‘Smart Photo Voltaic (PV) Battery’ design. This Smart PV Battery combines in one functional unit: a rechargeable battery, an energy converter, and intelligence for smart battery management and power matching. Consumer products powered by Smart PV Batteries will be more sustainable and provide ‘user mobility’ and independence of the mains in location and time. The synergy gained is not merely the result of optimising one single function, but rather a cluster of objectives. Not only the efficiency in energy conversion and storage is improved, but also the products become more sustainable. Therefore, the designer obtains more freedom in shapes and structural features as well, or the products become potentially more ergonomical and aesthetically pleasing.
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