Figure: 7

Prototype “Solar Tergo” mounted on Boblbee

In the framework of a master thesis project, an existing backpack (Boblbee) was equipped with a click-on unit comprises of a solar panel to generate electrical power and a compartment with electrical energy buffer storage unit including electronic charge- recharge control electronics [Weitjens, 2003]. In this design a flexible PV panel is used to accommodate the shape and a convenient utilisation of the backpack. In addition this curved PV panel enhances the appearance. Mobile products that could be recharged are for example a cellular phone, a PDA, ect. They were placed either in a special compartment outside or just inside the backpack. The recharge process could be done all the time the mobile products were carried around in the backpack both outdoors and indoors.

2.4.2 The Solar Cell White-board

A whiteboard will be used at places where there is sufficient light. A whiteboard usually constitutes of a large area (1 m2 or more) surface. Covering a metal plate with white enamel usually makes a whiteboard. So combining these three facts could result in a practical example of application of the Solar Cell Enamel techniques.

2.4.3 Lawn mower robot

Another example is a solar powered lawn mower [Husqvarna, 2004] see Figure 8. When

there is much sunlight, on sunny days, the grass is growing rapidly. The Solar Cells will convert enough sunlight into electricity to power the solar mower. On cloudy days the grass is growing less rapidly, coinciding with a longer period of recharging the batteries. Intelligence is built into the lawnmower Robot, which controls its mow velocity and path. The synergy by introducing intelligence is apparent.

Figure: 8: Lawn mower robot

2.4.4 Solar car Roof

Solar cells placed on the roof of a car can recharge additionally the batteries [Sunovation, 2004]. The car roofs have usually not flat but curved surfaces.

2.4.5 Solar Sunscreen

Placing solar cells on the box of a sunscreen [Poelman, 2000] is exactly an example in which integration of a function and energy conversion is demonstrated in a practical way. This integration can be pushed even further by making the sunscreen also part of the solar cell. The sunscreen will be used if and only if there is sunlight. On the other side, the solar cell to be functional will also be in need of the sun to shine. Therefore, this example is a clear demonstration of synergy.