Grantee Research Project Results
2017 Progress Report: Sustainable & Smart Solar Power-Controlled Apparel
EPA Grant Number: SU836796Title: Sustainable & Smart Solar Power-Controlled Apparel
Investigators: Xiang, Chunhui
Current Investigators: Xiang, Chunhui , Hwang, Chanmi , Mashud Alum, A K M , Kaalberg, Kathryn , Roth, Shannon , Steffensmeier, Nicholaus , Loo, Samuel Vande
Institution: Iowa State University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 (Extended to September 30, 2018)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2016 through September 30,2017
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2016) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality
Objective:
To reduce negative impacts on the environment by promoting the use and harnessing of natural solar energy, and decreasing the use and disposal of alkaline batteries, solar power controlled apparel was developed using flexible solar panels. Academically diverse students from Iowa State University evaluated the properties and energy harvesting capacities of the flexible solar panels, and then designed a solar powered jacket based on the found results from the testing. Results determined that a combination of the flexible solar panels are capable of safely charging small electronic devices, such as a smart phone. This project is consistent with EPA P3 benefits including a cleaner community environment, reduction in energy use, and the development of a textile based product with potential for production beyond an experimental prototype. Flexible solar panels in various sizes and energy harvesting capacities can be integrated into apparel for optimal solar power control and energy harvesting. We focused on the interface of textiles, apparel, humans, and flexible solar panels; and tested an alternate energy system for powering small electronics using smart apparel as a conduit to help decrease the reliance on energy from nonrenewable sources. The purposes of the project were to: (a) test flexible solar cells/panels, (b) test flexible solar cells/panels to identify best locations for optimal energy harvesting, and (c) develop and test a garment prototype that integrates flexible solar products for optimal solar power control and energy harvesting. The developed solar power jacket is able to harvest solar energy and charge an electronic device during outdoor activities (e.g. hiking).
Progress Summary:
The successful completion of this project was achieved by using a multi-disciplinary approach in flexible solar panel testing, and implementation of flexible solar panels into apparel. Six students were recruited for this project based on their expertise in material testing, solar power harvesting, design, pattern making, and product development. Research and product development stages were carried out to design a sustainable and smart solar power-controlled garment: The first stage of the project involved the selection of commercially available flexible solar panels based on their operating current capacity and sizes. Three types of flexible solar panels, Wireless, Low Light, and WeatherPro series, were purchased from PowerFilm Solar (Ames, IA, US). The operating current capacities of the panels were between 20 and 100 mA. The second stage of the project involved a series of tests on flexible solar panels to address several consumer concerns about solar-powered apparel, including: (a) are they durable enough?, (b) are they washable?, (c) are they thermally comfortable?, and (d) can solar panels be used in various angles to the Sun necessary to harvest enough energy on a garment? The durability of the solar panels was demonstrated in the tensile property characterization test and abrasion resistance results. The tensile strength, elongation, and Young’s modulus of the solar panels in the lengthwise direction were 55.4 MPa (5.5x107 N/m2 ), 22 %, and 1.41 GPa respectively. While the tensile strength, elongation, and Young’s modulus of the solar panels in the crosswise direction were 87.9 MPa (8.79 x 107 N/m2 ), 7%, and 3.56 GPa respectively. The panels had high tensile strength and elongation values as compared to 260 g/m2 Nomex® fabric (strength and elongation values were 1.2x103 N/m2 and 41 % respectively). Since Nomex® fabrics are the standard fabrics used in heavy-duty workwear, the flexible solar panels were found to be strong enough to be incorporated into apparel. The high elastic modulus indicated low flexibility of solar cells, which may impose design restrictions in apparel products. No significant change in weight and energy harvesting capacities of the solar panels was found after the abrasion test, further demonstrating that the feasibility of integrating solar panels into apparel for daily wear. The solar panels were found to be still functioning following washing, therefore deemed washable, which implied that they could be permanently attached to apparel, thereby simplifying design requirements for solar-powered apparel. The thermal comfort of the solar panels was demonstrated in the thermal insulation and evaporative resistance test results. Thermal insulation of the solar panels was found to be low, suggesting that heat would not remain in the panels and overheating would not happen in the solar panels area. This may favor the application of solar panels in apparel produce worn in outdoor activities (e.g. hiking). Low evaporative resistance demonstrated that water vapor could easily pass through garment layers, and hence the apparel would have very good breathability. The solar energy harvesting at various angles (0º, 45º, and 90º) to the Sun that would be used in garments were investigated by testing the recorded voltage from the solar panels. No significant difference in the recorded voltage was found for The WeatherPro series solar panels at 0º and 45º, which indicates that the WeatherPro series would be more efficient at varying facing angles. Additionally, the plastic seal and design of the WeatherPro series made them easily integrated into apparel. Therefore, the WeatherPro series was used in the apparel prototype. The third stage of the project involved applying the solar panel physical performance characterization and solar harvesting findings to the development of solar powered jacket prototype with optimal energy harvesting. The Lamb and Kallal (1992) apparel design EPA Grant Number: SU836796-ISU 3 framework with the FEA consumer needs model was effective in guiding the process for designing and testing a solar powered jacket. The design decision-making process was challenging due to balancing user needs with functional needs of electronic components. Findings may be useful for designers of wearable solar products for other markets and for designers of all types of wearable electronics. The final stage of the project will be completed by disseminating the results. Two conference abstracts were submitted to International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) on April 1, 2017 for peer-review for presentation in November 2017. Two manuscripts are also being generated (one focusing on flexible solar panel physical performance characterization and solar panel energy harvesting with varying angles facing the Sun and the other for a new product design of solar power-controlled garment) and will be submitted to Textile Research Journal and Clothing and Textile Research Journal, respectively. In addition, the development of this EPA P3 Phase I project webpages is in progress and will be accessible for public this summer of 2017.
Supplemental Keywords:
Energy, Environmentally Benign Substitute, Clean Technologies, Green Chemistry, Innovative Technology, Green Energy, Green Manufacturing, Waste MinimizationProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.