Students in India build solar-powered helmet
The prototype headgear comprises solar cells and a mini fan, and is capable of charging a mobile phone using the energy generated from a 40-minute ride.
(Credit:
SiliconIndia)
Three days was all it took for two electrical engineering undergrads at the Nirma University in Ahmedabad, India, to put together a wind- and solar-powered helmet for bikers. The prototype headgear by the entrepreneurial pair, Pragnesh Dudhaiya and Aalok Bhatt, comprises solar cells and a mini fan, and is capable of charging a mobile phone using the energy generated from a 40-minute ride.
Granted, the design needs some serious work, but Pragnesh and Aslok hope the dual-purpose helmet will encourage bikers in the city to don the protective headgear. That in itself is admirable.
The pair plans to file a patent on their helmet and said it will retail for about $22, which is a small price to pay for safety. Hopefully, they can come up with a way for users to pick up their phones without having to remove one hand from the handlebars, too.
(Credit:
Pragnesh Dudhaiya, Aalok Bhatt)
(Source: Crave Asia via Treehugger)
