Rechargeable Batteries with Flexible Solar Cells - DIY prototypes

Posted by markup on Tuesday February 17, 2009 @12:52PM
from the blog.bareknut.no dept.

http://blog.bareknut.no/2009/02/rechargeable-batteries-with-solar-cells.html

( 4 comments | 9 points | on HN )

Re:Rechargeable Batteries with Flexible Solar Cells - DIY pr... by theklub on Tuesday February 17, 2009 @01:44PM (#484814)

This is a great idea. Why hasn't any one done this before?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Rechargeable Batteries with Flexible Solar Cells - DIY pr... by chime on Tuesday February 17, 2009 @04:05PM (#484974)

I'm guessing it's because exposing batteries to direct sunlight isn't a safe thing to do. Additionally, it might reduce the recharge capacity by affecting the components inside.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Rechargeable Batteries with Flexible Solar Cells - DIY pr... by vchakra on Tuesday February 17, 2009 @04:10PM (#484984)

I think that you would have a tough time charging batteries like this, primarily because a cylindrical surface will have very little direct (normal to its surface) sunlight. Most of your solar cell surface seems to be either in the shadow, or at a pretty weak angle. It would be far more effective to have a foldable umbrella like thing that you open up and point at the sun.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Rechargeable Batteries with Flexible Solar Cells - DIY pr... by bprater on Tuesday February 17, 2009 @03:22PM (#484916)

They would be very useful in survival situations.

[ Parent | on HN ]