That’s a really powerful purse
Iowa State University researchers explore how to make solar chargers fashionable; form and function are key.
For his design class project, Joe Hynek, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, wanted to make something that combines form and function. His solution was to apply thin, flexible solar cells, developed by Ames Laboratory researchers, to a handbag in order to recharge batteries and other electronic devices. His aptly named “power purse” snapped up second place in the aesthetic design category at the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists design competition in April. Hynek and his adviser, Mark Bryden, are now collaborating with J. R. Campbell, an associate professor of textiles and clothing at Iowa State, to extend the idea to other applications. Hynek’s first efforts have concentrated on accessories like purses and hats, because they don’t have to stand up to washing machines. Now, the group is looking into ways to make solar-cell products that can be laundered.
