Eco Factor: Solar and thermoelectric energy generators to be coated in battle dress for on-demand power.
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. Researchers at the University of Glasgow believe that the weight of the backpacks of future soldiers will be considerably lighter, as the number of batteries in there will be reduced.
These researchers 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.
The systems will be protected against wear and tear by specially designed polymeric films and it would also be possible to camouflage these materials by applying colors as required.
Image Courtesy: ScrapeTV
Via: Physorg
