The Wearable Solar project has been presented on the 14th of June 2013 in Arnhem, The Netherlands during the MoBa 13, the biggest Fashion Bienalle in the world.
Wearable Solarʼ, exists out of two prototype designs, a coat and a dress made out of wool and leather, which produce sustainable energy through their integrated solar cells. The coat incorporates 48 rigid solar cells and the dress has 72 flexible solar cells. Both garments, if worn in the full sun for an hour, can generate enough energy to allow a typical smartphone to be 50% charged. The solar cell compartments can be unfolded when needed and folded back when they are not being used.
The design inspiration derives from the solar cells layered internal structure. They in fact resemble the stratified cells of the human body, which naturally interacts with sunlight. If a body/cloth is augmented with solar cells it will embody enough electrical power to become a source of energy.
With this functionality the projects aims to meet the increasing demand of energy and connectivity, while anticipating on the growing wearable tech market. A market where clothing and accessories more often become a platform for new functionalities. Think of Google Glasses or smart watches.
The first phase of the project has been partially funded by Gelderland Valoriseert (a Dutch innovation fund) and by Platform Creative Technology ( a Dutch fund fostering cross-overs between creative and scientific companies)
After its launch during MobA 13, Wearable Solar has attracted international interest. The two prototypes have been exhibited in various events, such as the Wearable Futures event in London and will be displayed at the Mikimoto gallery next month and at Barbican centre for the Digital Revolution exhibition in London October this year.
Image Courtesy:
Photography: Mike Nicolaassen
Hair & Make-up: Angelique Stapelbroek
Model: Julia J. at Fresh Model Management
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