There’s no denying the fact that soldiers have to carry weighty backpacks with hefty gear. The heavy batteries make them evermore bulky, still they can’t do without them. So, to lighten their burden, researchers in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow in the U.K., working with Strathclyde, Loughborough, Leeds, Reading and Brunel universities, suggest to eliminate batteries from the shoulder bags. Nothing additional installed, it is all about harnessing solar energy to power equipment such as radios, counter-measure devices, weapons, sights and flashlights.
Using thermoelectric and photovoltaic devices, researchers hope to recharge lightweight batteries. After dark or when the sun doesn’t shine at its best, the thermoelectric devices will come into action. The specially designed polymeric films will guard these devices against any abrasions.
Via: Physorg