by Madeleine Anders
Lakewood Elementary, Rockville, MD
First Place
While scientists and engineers around the world are looking for ways to make solar energy more efficient and economical, the use of solar energy is not new. For example, in 7th Century B.C., our ancestors used magnifying glasses to concentrate the sun’s rays to create fires and burn ants. The Greek scientist, Archimedes, used the reflective properties of bronze shields to focus sunlight and set fire to wooden ships from the Roman Empire that were attacking Syracuse.
Let’s fast forward to 1767. The Swiss scientist, Horace de Saussure, was credited with building the world’s first solar collector. The collector was later used by Sir John Herchel to cook food on his travels to Africa in the 1830’s. This was the grandfather of the modern day solar panel, which is very important. Many scientists, engineers and inventors have contributed to the evolution of photovoltaic devices (instruments used to change solar power into useable electricity) in order to harness and use solar power in many different ways.
Much like solar power, nanoparticles have also been used for centuries. For example, medieval artists trapped gold and silver nanoparticles in stained glass to create bold colors. Also, the Lycurgus Cup was created by the Romans near the 4th century A.D.. Through the use of gold nanoparticles, the cup can appear green in daylight, but looks red when direct light shines into the glass.
Engineers and scientists have mostly explored nanotechnology in combination with food, household products (such as hair straightening and curling tools and sunscreen), electronics, building and transportation. As a future nanotechnology engineer, my idea is to pair photovoltaic nanoparticles with textiles. We could coat strands of fiber with nanoparticles that will harness the power of the sun.
The applications for this technology are endless. The new technology can be used to create blankets that can keep homeless people warm at night, car and bus seats (the collected solar energy can help power vehicles), window curtains and shades that can help power homes and clothing that can power devices while you’re outside away from a traditional energy source. Each item will have a removable USB port that can be taken out and sealed while the item is being washed and then put back in to use or transfer the power.
In addition to being an alternative and sustainable energy source, photovoltaic nanoparticle textiles will help keep people safe by storing energy during the day to keep clothing lit while outside at night. This will make people easier to see in the dark when there is traffic nearby (great for construction workers). Also, homeless people will be able to stay healthier by using nanoparticle solar blankets to stay warm. When I’ve visited big cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City I’ve noticed many people sleeping on sidewalks and park benches. These blankets would absorb solar energy during the day, and store it for the night when it’s colder outside. Clothing made using this material can also keep people safe by charging phones and emergency items any time and anywhere during daylight hours. Engineering can play a big part in keeping our country’s neediest people safe.
One challenge to health that should be avoided is nanopolluntants. Nanopollutants are very small nanoparticles that are small enough to enter the skin, blood stream, lungs, and brain and can cause serious health problems to humans and other living creatures. Engineers would make sure that the producers and consumers of this technology stay safe. I would also create nanoparticle recycling centers so when consumers were finished with their products they could be disposed of safely (and recycled into other products) without hurting the environment.
My invention could change the way people use solar energy in their every day lives and it addresses all four areas of engineering responsibility. From exercise clothes to blankets to car seat covers, solar nanoparticle material will have a positive impact on the environment, improve and protect the health, safety and well-being of others and will be environmentally sustainable. Photovoltaic textiles will be another example of responsible engineering.
References:
Beckett, B., & Gough, W. (n.d.). Nanotechnology- How will it change your life? Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://nano--tech.blogspot.com/
The History of Solar. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from http://www.energy.gov/-No author available
Lund, H., Nilsen, R., Salomatova, 0., Skare, D., & Riisem, E. (2008). Solar Cells. Retrieved from http://org.ntnu.no/solarcells/pages/history.php