Eco Factor: Bluetooth headphones powered by flexible solar panels.
While many of us are just wondering about a world where renewable energy will rule every sphere of life, Romania-based Shepeleff Stephen, is working on ways to make it as fresh as possible. An engineering student at the Transylvania University of Brasov, Stephen is envisioning a world where solar energy will make each and every gadget green. The designer has developed Bluetooth headphones, called the Q-SOUND, which charge themselves using the energy of the sun.
Solar-powered Bluetooth stereo headphones, the Q-SOUND, were elaborated in purpose to overcome the performance limitations of time use and energy-efficiency during listening to a radio or enjoying music, using any MP3 player connected to electronic audio equipment. The Q-SOUND represent a type of an on-ear, headband design with incorporated flexible amorphous silicon solar cells.
All the outer pieces of headphones have a satin silver finish, since they’re developed from flexible plastic and all the inner pieces offer more color because they’re made from rubber-based materials. This contrast is made purposely designed to provide a visual accent on the solar cells and to confer a light look on the design.
The solar cells are placed on the headband piece and cover. The striking feature on the exterior of the Q-SOUND is the hexagonal layout and structure of the cells that look very stylish and high-tech and contribute to a futuristic image design of the headphones.
Q-SOUND headphones were designed to be conveniently worn by people with all head shapes and sizes. The suited adjustment is achieved by ergonomic, curved, snug fits that are incorporated in the headband piece and by rotating ear pieces, which give the headphones three degrees of movement for each headphone ear piece.
The Q-SOUND is a Bluetooth headset which could be used with any Bluetooth-enabled device such as digital audio player/MP3 player. If connected with your Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, the Q-SOUND allows you to answer calls as well. Other than the wireless Bluetooth connection, the headphones can also be wired to all DAPs featuring a 3.5mm stereophonic jack plug.
Q-SOUND headphones have inside two removable rechargeable NiMH batteries with an electric capacity of 800mAh and operating voltage of 1.2V, and a fully charged headset is able to run for up to 40 hours. For Q-SOUND headphones, one hour of sun yields more than 2.67 hours of working at maximum volume selection.
Thanks: [Shepeleff Stephen]
