Imagine being able to carry solar power in your backpack! It is now possible, thanks to Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.
Origami’s creative prowess has been an inspiration to drive innovation, ushering in a new era of cutting-edge technological solutions. One notable player in this field is Sego Innovations, a dynamic tech start-up hailing from Utah. Currently, they are hard at work developing a groundbreaking solar charger tailored specifically for travel purposes.
The distinguishing features of this renewable, off-grid power system lie in its remarkable portability, unmatched versatility, and impressive efficiency. Weighing in at a mere 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms), the Sego panel is a featherweight contender in the solar charger arena.
What sets this invention apart is its ingenious origami-based design. The solar panels effortlessly fold into a compact form, snugly fitting into backpacks, duffel bags, cargo boxes, suitcases, and even beneath the front seat of a car.
What came first
While Sego Charger is the first of its kind in terms of portability, it is not the first player in this field.
It is a compact iteration of origami solar panels of Milan-based tech startup, Levante. While resembling a smaller version of Levante’s origami solar panels, the Sego Charger offers a higher power rating of 25 watts, thanks to its monocrystalline solar cells. These cells are designed with grid-line electrical contacts on the rear, allowing for increased solar power capture.
Levante’s foldable origami solar panels have versatile applications and can be utilized in various settings where renewable energy is required. They prove to be particularly beneficial for travelers embarking on water journeys or pursuing a nomadic lifestyle in camper vans. These panels are easy to deploy and also serve as awnings on watercraft by utilizing the rectangular base that doubles as a hook. Interestingly, even when folded, these panels are still capable of generating electricity. Furthermore, when unfolded, they maximize energy generation by absorbing more solar energy.
Where it began
Sego Innovations was founded by Jacob Sheffield and Ian Esplin in January 2023 at the University of Utah’s Research Park. They reimagined the portable solar panel and created a breakthrough solar charger based on origami. It solves a major issue with solar panels, which is that they require a lot of space to produce a considerable amount of power.
Typically, solar panels are installed on the roofs of buildings in a square or rectangle shape. Their design allows the solar panel to be folded and reshaped, making it portable and convenient for use in a variety of locations.
Sheffield and Esplin’s concept is similar to NASA’s proposed deployable solar sails and folding solar arrays for spacecraft. These arrays may be compactly packed for rocket launch, but once in orbit or beyond, their surface area expands to its full potential.
The solar panels churn out more energy when they are unfolded as they can absorb more solar energy in this way. Courtesy of Levante
Features
The Sego Charger can be easily carried in backpacks and large pockets for travelers on the move. This foldable solar panel is capable of charging personal devices and travel equipment such as GPS devices and radio transmitters. Users can simply plug their devices directly into the solar panel to keep them powered up.
Sego’s initial solar charger design is a patent-pending novel structure that combines the ancient principles of origami with modern mechanical engineering design. It is a foldable solar charger that is lightweight and portable (7.5” x 7.5” x 1.25” folded, fitting in a standard 8-liter backpack) and easily deployable, reaching a 2.56-foot square area (0.24 m2) when fully unfurled.
It delivers a powerful 25-watt rating through the use of monocrystalline solar cells. These cells are equipped with grid-line electrical contacts on the rear, enhancing their ability to capture solar energy. The foldable origami solar panel includes a tripod, enabling effortless setup in various locations, including uneven terrains.
Designed with travelers in mind, the Sego Charger is engineered to withstand any weather conditions, from strong winds to continuous rainfall, ensuring reliable power supply for outdoor and off-grid adventures.
Challenge
The research group is attempting to solve the difficulties associated with using smaller panels, which are often portable. If the solar panel is under some sort of obstruction, such as a cloud, its output will decrease.
This can prevent a phone or other electrical device from charging. Even if the solar panel is delivering power and the shadow or cloud has lifted and the sun is once again shining on the panel, the phone or devices may still not charge. What they are trying to promote is a system that would automatically recover the charge to the phone or electronic gadget even if there is a disturbance.
Indeed, the future looks bright for this wonderful combination of science and art!
