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University of Bolton

Institute for Materials Research and Innovation

Professor Elias Siores - University of Bolton

Smart Materials and Systems Group

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Energy for all seasons

Energy harvesting
The wet and windy northwest of England inspired Professor Elias Siores, at the Institute for Materials Research and Innovation at the University of Bolton, to find a way to generate electricity in any weather conditions. Bad weather and the region’s international reputation for fibre innovation made the hybrid piezoelectric and photovoltaic fibre possible. The fibre can be knitted or weaved into any fabric and then harvest electricity from wind, rain, tides and other mechanical renewable sources. He sees its application in portable electrical device chargers, garments, sails, tents and even artificial trees capable of charging laptops, mobile phones and other small electrical equipment.

Wearable energy
Siores describes how the hybrid fibre is made up of two parts. The core is made out of piezoelectric material, which comes from the Greek word, meaning applying pressure. When pressure is applied, or the material is vibrated, the vibrations are converted into voltage that can be stored as energy in a rechargeable battery or used immediately. The outer coatings are an organic photovoltaic material. The core is made from of polymer material, avoiding the more efficient but lead-containing ceramic material, and the production costs are low. Also, as they are in a fibre format they can be made in different diameters, and can be weaved, knitted and processed like any other fibre into textile structures.

Siores is excited about the possibilities, ‘the fibre can be used for wearable applications, for charging mobiles while on the move. For more power hungry applications, these fibres can be chopped into a needle size. For example, a pine tree structure, made with these hybrid fibres. The tree structure does not have to track the sun, the sun goes around the tree and harnesses enough energy for the home from sun wind and rain.’

cell charging © thumb - iStockphoto

Power generating trees
For now, Siores and his team are busy picking up awards for energy innovation and in discussions with industry to see their device commercialised. ‘It will be good to see this fibre in an application very soon. We want to enhance the properties of the piezoelectrical and organic photovoltaic material. We want it to remain low cost. If it’s possible to implement it in a tree-like structure, you could have your own power generating tree next to your home!’

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Why not do a language activity based on this cubed story, Energy for all seasons? You can double-click on any word on this page for a dictionary definition.

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