Batteries that Are Woven Into Clothing
The U.S. Army has commissioned an ultra futuristic machine that weaves microscopic fibers into soldier’s uniforms in order to generate and store power. The fibers will cross section with up to three different materials such as plastic, metal and fabric to create rechargeable batteries and wearable fuel cells.
As of now a five day mission for a platoon consumes up to nine hundred batteries on average. This is the logical path to alienating unnecessary burdens while increasing mobility.
In order to understand the scale, some of these fibers are thinner than a human hair and are divided into dozens of separate nanotubes.
There is no doubt that eventually suits like this will cross over to consumers. As of now they are being made specifically to power devices like radios, night vision goggles and range finders.
Within less than a decade we may have jeans and t-shirts that will plug directly into our cell phones, MP3 players and laptops.
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Drew Smith said
am October 10 2007 @ 12:28 pm
I remember years ago when my friend’s father showed me his “Kinetic Watch” that would never run out of power as long as he kept it on his wrist (and subsequently in motion). That got me wondering what else could be operated that way. I knew it was just a matter of time before something more powerful was created. It’s interesting that more applications for this type of device aren’t in circulation already, as I could sit here and think of many ways to take advantage of that type of technology. Really cool story here, Jerad. I’m curious to see what types of clothes people are wearing to draw attention ten years from now.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 10 2007 @ 1:08 pm
@Drew Smith, they have had backpacks that work as solar power generators for some time now. They take forever and can hardly charge a cell phone after hours in direct light, however.
I know what your talking about with watches like that. There are a few that are so sensitive that the rotation of the Earth is enough to keep them wound. Pretty insane.
It’s just a matter of time before we start to have sweet items like this to keep everything on a constant charge. That we mobile technology will really mean something rather than being just a bunch of gadgets.
Wander said
am October 10 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I’m really intrigued with what you have posted here, so intrigued that I’ve added you to my blogroll. I’m fascinated by the thought that we could have clothing as a power source.
I checked out your picture of “The Golden Goose”, really got a laugh at the caption of having laid her last egg.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 10 2007 @ 4:36 pm
@Wander, thanks for the link, that’s very kind of you.
When I was reading through your blog I noticed that post about Blue Belle and I couldn’t help but empathize. I wish that the Goose would have laid a few more eggs before going kaput.
Jennifer said
am October 11 2007 @ 2:15 am
Wow! It would be very cool to not have to drag around that extra little thingy for my MP3 player, if they could just weave it into all my jeans. LOL…
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 11 2007 @ 7:50 am
@Jennifer, eventually electronics will become so small and we’ll have power for them everywhere we go.
Think Derick’s phone from Zoolander.