Exploiting solar energy to serve soldiers in the battlefield

Aditi JustaApr 26 2010

Living deprived lives away from humanity leaves the soldiers with very little choice to keep them entertained and in touch with the close ones. Finding their ways in unknown land is not as easy. There are gadgets that can help them with these problems, but keeping them charged in far-flung areas is another challenge. So, the troops in the battlefields will now carry a new weapon to combat enemy- solar power. Here are some solar powered gadgets to serve the soldiers in difficult situations.

solar powered devices
solar powered devices

• Solar-powered wrist display:

solar powered wrist display
solar powered wrist display

HP is getting all geared up to dress the soldiers of tomorrow with something that is high-tech and of course green. The company is working on a prototype of a solar-powered lightweight computer display that will help them find their way. The 200 microns thick display capable of displaying maps and directions makes use of the popular E-Ink display technology and can easily be worn around the wrist.

• Solar-powered equipment for soldiers:

solar powered equipment
solar powered equipment

At present, soldiers carry up to 70kg of equipment, out of which about 10% is the weight of the batteries that are required to charge their radios, counter-measure devices and flashlights. To lighten their the backpacks, researchers at the University of Glasgow are proposing the use of thermoelectric and photovoltaic devices in the battle fatigues that will generate electricity to recharge a much lighter battery. During daytime the photovoltaic coating will generate electricity and after dark the thermoelectric devices will do the needful.

• GCell PV Jacket:

gcell pv jacket
gcell pv jacket

The GCell PV Jacket is a technical aid, which would ensure that soldiers never miss a commander’s call due to a discharged battery. The jackets are integrated with flexible photovoltaic material, which is wired directly to the charging pocket in front of the jacket. The panels generate 2W of power, which is stored in 650mAh Li-ion battery. The designers claim that an hour worth of solar charging can give you about 45 minutes of talk time, which sounds decent considering a war front where seconds can make a difference.

• Solar panel equipped backpacks:

solar panel equipped backpacks
solar panel equipped backpacks

The Australian army have started a $ 2 million project under which flexible solar panels made out of secret compound and weighing just 14 oz are being developed and studied. The panels will use artificial photosynthesis thereby using sun’s radiation and not direct sunlight. The panels would prove worthy even in cloudy situations. They will now become an essential power source and will be fixed to the soldier’s back pack to power advanced equipments like radio, communication and night sight gadgets, remote sensors and cameras to locate enemy’s position

• Solio for Soldiers Kit:

solio for soldiers kit
solio for soldiers kit

Keeping gadgets juiced up is difficult for soldiers in remote areas. To keep them entertained and in touch with their dear ones, Solio presents a hybrid charger that captures solar energy to power other devices. The Solio Hybrid charger can power anything from cell phones to iPods to to PDAs.

• Solar Powered COM-BAT Spy Plane:

com bat
com bat

The University of Michigan College of Engineering is working on developing a steel-winged robotic spy plane that will prove to be a boon for the army. The US military that is the real mastermind behind the concept has granted $10-million dollar for the project. Dubbed the COM-BAT, the six-inch surveillance device is powered by solar, wind, and vibrations.

• Solar powered chargers for soldiers:

solar powered chargers for soldiers
solar powered chargers for soldiers

In an attempt to pay homage to the soldiers who risk their lives to provide us a peaceful life, Jerry Ranger, chief executive of PowerTraveller has donated hundreds of solar-powered chargers to power up DVD players and game consoles of soldiers in Afghanistan. The Power Monkey Explorers manufactured by his company will help the troops to keep their electrical gadget charged at all times. This portable solar charger can hold charge up to six months and is compatible with almost all electrical items. It is designed to withstand extreme climates, thereby making it a perfect choice for Afghanistan.

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