Materials scientists are bringing about the latest and greatest in power generating technology, by creating clothes that have the potential to transport electricity and power small electronics.
No longer a futuristic fantasy, power-generating clothes have become a present reality thanks to materials scientist Trisha Andrew at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By applying PEDOT-coated yarn to any type of clothing material, your favorite clothes could become conductors.
Working under the umbrella of textile electronics, materials scientists and electrical engineers hope to turn conducting textiles into advanced electronics that can convert simple body motion into electricity fit for generating power. Andrew claims that utilizing fabric to power electronics and monitor health data are gaining relevance in the health care industry as well as in the military.
The science behind the fabric is equally as fascinating as it’s purpose. As a person moves about in clothes outfitted with the power conducting electrodes, friction from any particular piece of clothing against the electrodes electrically charges the materials, and a few microwatts of power are generated.