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Explore Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics with the Polydrops P21: A Camper for the Future

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Polydrops has been capturing the attention of the camper industry for a few years with its innovative designs. Their latest release, the P21, promises to redefine the RV experience with its advanced design and features. Known for affordability and lightweight construction, Polydrops campers have become a favorite among modern travelers. The P21 is no exception, pushing the boundaries of what a camper can offer with its futuristic aesthetic and practical functionality.

Designers: Kyunghyun Lew and Jieun Choi

The company, founded by two architects, always integrates architectural principles into its designs. This new model is distinguished by its striking appearance and exceptional aerodynamic performance. The P21 is designed to turn heads on the road and at campsites, seamlessly blending style with functionality in a manner unmatched by other campers.

The design prioritizes efficiency and performance, with every exterior aspect crafted to enhance aerodynamics, reduce drag, and improve towing stability. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency is significant for those using electric vehicles, as it helps to maximize range and minimize energy consumption.

Exterior Design: Futuristic and Functional

The P21’s exterior is striking with its angular, polygonal design, reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck. Polydrops has seamlessly integrated architectural principles into the P21, creating a visually appealing and highly functional structure.

Each line, panel, and curve of the P21 enhances its aerodynamic performance. The sharp, knife-edge front cuts through the air with minimal resistance, ensuring stability and ease of towing, even at high speeds. This aerodynamic design reduces drag, crucial for maintaining the range and efficiency of electric vehicles towing the trailer.

Aerodynamics: The Science Behind the Design

Polydrops has meticulously engineered the P21’s exterior to optimize its aerodynamic efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations played a crucial role in shaping the P21, ensuring that every aspect of its design minimizes air resistance and maximizes efficiency. These simulations, akin to those used by aerospace and automotive leaders like Boeing and NASA, informed the development of the P21’s unique shape.

The P21 features a vertical wedge-shaped front end that slices through the air, reducing high-pressure zones that typically cause drag. This design departs from conventional travel trailers’ more traditional rounded or angled fronts. By minimizing high-pressure air drag, the P21 achieves greater stability and efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining the range of electric vehicles towing the trailer.

The design of the roof significantly contributes to its aerodynamic performance. The pointed, forward-slanting tip and downward-flowing roof allow air to flow smoothly over the trailer, reducing turbulence and drag. This design enhances aerodynamic efficiency and provides ample headroom inside the camper, creating a spacious and comfortable living environment.

The back of the P21 has a boat tail design that helps control airflow as it leaves the trailer. This feature reduces the turbulence behind the trailer, cutting down on drag and improving overall aerodynamic performance. In Polydrops’ CFD simulations, these design elements make the camper three times more aerodynamically efficient than traditional models.

Interior Design: Practical and Comfortable

The inside of the P21 is just as well-designed as the outside. Polydrops has made use of every inch of space to create a functional and comfortable living area. The interior layout is dictated by the aerodynamic exterior shape, and the designers have done an excellent job of maximizing space while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

The interior features a standable height, allowing occupants to move around freely. The layout includes a convertible lounge that can transform into a dining area or an additional sleeping space. Storage is plentiful, with numerous overhead compartments and under-seat storage options. The interior design maximizes the use of space while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, ensuring that the camper remains easy to tow without compromising strength and stability.

Maximize your off-grid adventures with the P21’s Sanitation Unit upgrade. Enjoy the convenience of a sink, shower, and portable toilet featuring 9 gallons of fresh water and a 1.3-gallon water heater tank. The shower cleverly converts into a lounge area when closed, providing luxurious comfort even in remote locations.

Cooking station

Refrigerator

Key Features and Innovations

The P21 features a best-in-class Timbren independent suspension system, which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride on all types of terrain. This suspension system offers excellent stability and minimizes vibration, making it ideal for rough or uneven roads. Additionally, the lightweight construction of the P21 improves fuel efficiency and lowers travel expenses. Its rust-free aluminum frame ensures durability and longevity.

The P21 includes a simple control system. Equipped with a user-friendly 7-inch display, the P21 allows straightforward control and monitoring of all systems. The intuitive interface and remote control capability make monitoring the electrical system and other features easy, enhancing the overall user experience. The system seamlessly connects to your smartphone, allowing for convenient remote control accessibility.

Kid’s bed

The interior layout includes a queen-size bed and an optional kids’ bed, making it ideal for families. The galley is split into two sections, with a sink and countertop on one side and space for a cooktop on the other. There is also a convertible shower with a hidden toilet, similar to those found in high-end campervans. This thoughtful design ensures that the P21 meets the needs of modern travelers while maintaining a compact and efficient layout.

Solar Charging: Harnessing the Power of the Sun

One of the P21’s most impressive features is its advanced solar charging capabilities. The integrated 1300W solar panels efficiently convert sunlight into energy, providing a sustainable power source for the camper. This system ensures you can stay off the grid for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. The solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining the sleek and aerodynamic profile of the P21 while offering significant energy savings.

The solar charging system works in tandem with the all-electric setup, including the LFP battery and climate control system. This combination provides reliable power for all onboard systems, ensuring a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Whether parked in a sunny meadow or a shaded forest, the P21’s solar panels will keep you powered up and ready for adventure.

The Polydrops P21 is a futuristic camper that offers practical functionality. Its aerodynamic exterior, advanced solar charging capabilities, and comfortable interior make it an ideal choice for modern travelers. With features like a rust-free frame, lightweight construction, and a best-in-class suspension system, the P21 is built to handle any adventure. Whether you’re exploring remote landscapes or enjoying a weekend getaway, the P21 promises a unique camping experience. Polydrops continues to push the boundaries of what a camper can be, and the P21 is a shining example of their innovative approach.

The post Explore Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics with the Polydrops P21: A Camper for the Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

ASUS ROG Mjolnir solar power station is shockingly real, but is it worthy?

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One of the worst days to announce or tease a new product is April 1st. Most people already presume that the majority of “news” going out that day is a hoax, especially if it’s about something outlandish or unbelievable. Then again, it might also be the best time to get as much attention, even if it means being doubted until the product actually lands on store shelves. That’s the kind of situation that ASUS’ Republic of Gamers created when it teased one of the weirdest-looking yet also most interesting portable power stations to grace the industry, only to reveal that, no, it is no April Fool’s joke. But is this Mjolnir-lookalike worthy to be wielded by gamers and enthusiasts or is it just a dastardly plot by Loki to have a laugh at everyone’s expense?

Designer: ASUS ROG

Myeu-muh? What’s a Myeu-muh?

Even if you’re not a comics or movie buff, you’re most likely to already be familiar with the icons of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe given the media over-saturation. This is especially true for the most popular icons and their paraphernalia, such as Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s mask, and Thor’s hammer. That hammer has a formal name, even in the original Norse mythology, though few will probably be able to utter Mjolnir’s properly unless they watched the first Thor film. It’s MYOL-neer or MYOL-nur, by the way. You’re welcome.

That hammer is the subject of today’s speculation. On the 1st of April, probably one of the trickster god Loki’s favorite days, ASUS’ gaming brand teased and then announced Mjolnir, not as a weapon but as an electrifying computer accessory. It’s a power station that indeed resembled the movie prop to some extent, with a large rectangular box whose sides tapers a bit, and a rod extending from the body acting as a handle. ROG was quick to point out that it’s a real thing, not a hoax, but that in itself could be the joke. But maybe it would have been better if it remained hidden from mortal hands.

What We Know So Far

To be fair, there’s not much we know other than what ROG itself has revealed, but there’s quite a bit already available. The most important is that this power station can be charged using solar energy, drawing power from the sun instead of lightning. How it does that, however, is still anyone’s guess. The teaser showed a dark rectangle on the station’s front that could be a tilting solar panel, though that would be too small to supply the power that this large box needs and was probably just a placeholder graphic.

On the front, you will see an assortment of ports typically found on power stations. There are four AC outlets, two full-sized USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. There’s an LCD display above these ports that shows important information about the input, output, and remaining battery capacity. Noticeably missing here, however, are DC and car charging ports, which hints that this power station might not have outdoor adventures in mind.

The teaser also mentions that the ROG Mjolnir can illuminate your path with the light it summons, but it unsurprisingly doesn’t say how. That panel on the back could be a very bright flood light, but the better theory is that the handle itself is some sort of lighting component. Either the handle lights up or, more likely, it’s a removable flashlight, which is a better design for a part that would otherwise simply be a cosmetic detail that gets in the way.

Cracks in the Hammer

There’s no denying that the ROG Mjolnir has an interesting design, one that will appeal to a large segment of the market, especially the brand’s gaming audience. Its upturned hammer shape sets it apart from other portable power stations, if the ROG branding doesn’t already make sure of that. The bigger question, however, is whether that design is actually good for the product’s usability or hinders it.

That handle is going to be the biggest point of contention, with a tall rod sticking out from the top of the box. If it acts as a removable flashlight, then it’s not as big of an issue. But if it’s permanently fixed in that position, it will become a problem when storing or moving the power station. It’s not like you can carry the Mjolnir using its handle for real. But if that handle were removable, it also introduces a different kind of problem, one of durability and reliability. There’ll be a hole where the handle connects to the body, which means an opportunity for dust and liquid to get into the sensitive electronics. Definitely not a smart design.

It doesn’t look like the power station is designed for easy carrying either. Depending on how much battery it’s packing inside, this power station can end up being a bit heavy to carry with one hand without a handle. You’d have to hold it with both hands, but there doesn’t seem to be any grips to make that convenient. Admittedly, it doesn’t look too big beside a smartphone, but that’s just a render that might not reflect the product’s actual size.

True Power

There’s admittedly not much we know about the ROG Mjolnir Solar Power Station yet, including its specs, its price, and whether it’s really an actual product or ROG has just been pulling our leg and chuckling at the buzz going around their vaporware. Then again, it’s a pretty niche design as far as a power station is concerned, anyway, and there are plenty of other options in the market, albeit with less sensational aesthetics.

When it comes to solar portable power stations, the BLUETTI AC2A comes with all the bells and whistles, including proven product quality and durability. There are only two AC outlets, yes, but it makes up for it with a wider variety of input and output ports. You will need to plug in a solar panel, but that might also be the case for the ROG Mjolnir anyway. The BLUETTI AC2A is indeed designed more for outdoor use, though it can be an emergency backup for computers at home as well. As far as we know, the ROG Mjolnir is primarily designed to serve gamers’ needs, with rather questionable outdoor survivability.

Designer: BLUETTI

Is the ROG Mjolnir Power Station going to sell? It will probably have a few fans, especially those who will readily throw money at cool-looking and unique designs. It is going to be a practical and usable product? It’s definitely too early to say, and ROG might still end up surprising us, or completely disappointing us with the harsh reality of a month-long joke. Either way, we don’t expect the ROG Mjolnir to be a ground-breaking new design beyond its unique aesthetics, and if you’re looking for truly gamer-ready power solutions, you don’t have to wait for the truth to be revealed.

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How BLUETTI Power Week helps you power through any interruption or outdoor adventure

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A lot of things are said to make the world go round, but there is very little doubt that electricity is what powers modern civilization, literally. Not only do our phones, computers, and gadgets require electricity to run, but the appliances that bring safety and comfort to our lives also rely on this kind of power, whether directly from an outlet or from a battery. Unfortunately, electric power isn’t as ubiquitous and as reliable as it may seem, especially when you take factors like outages and off-grid locations into consideration. Fortunately, BLUETTI is on top of things and has a rich selection of power generators that not only help you survive interruptions and enjoy outdoor escapades, they also let you live with green and safe power whenever and wherever you need it.

Click Here to Buy Now: Save up to $1000. Hurry, offer ends soon!

Outlast Outages with the BLUETTI AC300 and EP500

There’s nothing more stressful than being plunged into darkness at home, especially during an already nerve-wracking storm. That’s an especially harrowing experience when you need power for critical appliances or medical devices. In the old days, you’d be left at the mercy of a gasoline-chugging generator just to power up a few of these products. Today, BLUETTI offers plenty of options depending not only on the power you need but also on your mobility.

The BLUETTI AC300, for example, brings a modular system that revolves around a 3,000W pure sine wave inverter that you can pair with a B300 battery module capable of holding 3,072Wh of power. This modular lets you not only move each piece as needed but even expand the capacity to up to 12,288Wh with four B300 modules. An AC300 and a single B300 are enough to power an 800W AC refrigerator for 12 hours or a 1,000W microwave for 10 hours. And if you need even more power, you can combine two sets of AC300 and four B300 batteries using the BLUETTI Fusion Box Pro for an incredible 24,576Wh of power, enough to get your household through a weekend.

Click Here to Buy Now: $2,599 $3,299 ($700 off). Hurry, deal ends on Sept 18th.

The beauty of the AC300 lies in its modularity, but if you want something a bit more integrated, then the BLUETTI EP500 might be your cup of tea. The suitcase-like portable battery has four wheels that make it easy to move around the house to deliver its 5,100Wh battery capacity anywhere you might need it. With a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter and 15 outlets, this mobile home backup power supply not only lets you survive an outage for a day or two, it can also power your DIY tools, parties, and any other activity that needs a lot of juice away from wall sockets.

Click Here to Buy Now: $3,999

Go Green with the BLUETTI AC200MAX and AC180

One of the biggest advantages of BLUETTI’s products is that you can live on green power as much as you want to. No more scrambling for planet-killing fuel during a catastrophe or wishing for wall sockets in the great outdoors. Whether you want to power your house with truly green energy or want to enjoy an off-grid vacation in a cabin, BLUETTI has got you covered.

Like its sibling, the BLUETTI AC200MAX boasts a modular design that puts you in control of just how much power you want to purchase or bring along with you on a trip. On its own, however, the AC200MAX already brings its own 2,048Wh battery and a 2,200W inverter, but you can also double that capacity with a matching 2,048Wh B320 battery module for a total of 4,096Wh of power. With 16 outlets that include 120V/20A and 120V/30A AC ports, this potent pair can charge all your devices and power your appliances in an emergency or when away from power outlets. Plus, you can charge the batteries themselves using fast 900W solar charging, topping up in just 3 to 3.5 hours.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,599

If you need something more compact for a quick getaway, the BLUETTI AC180 offers green power on the go. With a 1,152Wh battery capacity and 1,800W output, you can run even power-hungry dryers and electric kettles. It’s also an ideal solution as an emergency UPS for those moments when you need to keep a computer running even with brief power interruptions. And being battery-powered, it’s a lot safer and quieter than traditional gas generators, and you can charge it up using solar panels as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $999 ($200 off). Hurry, deal ends on Sept 18th.

Indoor Convenience Outdoors with the BLUETTI EB3A and AC60

People are thankfully rediscovering the joys of spending days and nights outdoors, but we can never shake off being dependent on electronics for both essentials as well as entertainment. Whether it’s making sure food stays cold and fresh or charging cameras and drones that record these precious moments, you’ll want a reliable power source that just works, even when there’s nary a wall socket in sight. And yes, BLUETTI has answers for that as well.

The BLUETTI EB3A combines power and sustainability in a very portable package, offering 600W of power from a 268Wh battery, enough to charge a 60W drone more than four times, or an iPhone 12 as much as 25 times. Its LiFePO4 battery delivers reliability and safety, ensuring you’ll be able to use this power station for years. And when you pair it with a 200W PV200 folding solar panel, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the great outdoors.

Click Here to Buy Now: $209 $299 ($90 off). Hurry, deal ends on Sept 18th.

Last but definitely not least, the BLUETTI AC60 brings the brand’s modular design to a smaller scale. With a 403Wh capacity and 600W output, this portable power station can handle laptops, mobile devices, and even small refrigerators, especially when you hook up an 806Wh B80 battery module. This pair is truly built for outdoor use, with an IP65 dust and water resistance rating and a rugged design that lets it handle anything you or Mother Nature throw at it. And with Turbo Charging technology, you can charge the battery itself in just 1 hour using a 600W AC source.

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $699 ($100 off). Hurry, deal ends on Sept 18th.

Just because we’re dependent on electronics doesn’t mean we have to be slaves to wall sockets and the grid. With BLUETTI’s wide variety of portable and solar power stations, you can enjoy the conveniences of modern life wherever you are and in any situation. And with the BLUETTI Power Week, there isn’t a better time to get your hands on one of these long-term investments, especially when you can get BLUETTI-branded merchandise a cap, a T-shirt, or a hoodie when you go over a certain value. So stop stumbling in the darkness or stressing outdoors with the clean, green, and portable energy of BLUETTI power stations and solar panels.

Click Here to Buy Now: Save up to $1000. Hurry, offer ends soon!

The post How BLUETTI Power Week helps you power through any interruption or outdoor adventure first appeared on Yanko Design.

These dome-shaped solar trees use AI to charge electric vehicles and combat the issue of EV charging

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Slowly and surely the world has been moving towards clean energy alternatives. People have been abandoning dirty energy, especially petrol and diesel-ridden vehicles, for smarter and cleaner EVs, and other solar energy products. However, an issue that EVs often pose, is the issue of charging them. It can be challenging to find charging stations frequently and in convenient locations, but this is where these intriguing ‘Solar trees’ come into the picture. London-based SolarBotanic Trees created these sleek innovative trees designed to power EV Charging stations!

Designer: SolarBotanic Trees

The London-based company launched the prototype for the trees in September 2022, and its first generation of solar trees will finally be available in the coming few months! SolarBotanic developed these trees in collaboration with a London-based business support program Co-Innovate. The two teamed up and used academic and innovation resources from the surrounding universities and facilities. The unique-looking trees have been equipped with solar panels. These solar panels or nano photovoltaic ‘leaves’ form the dome or the canopy of the trees. They absorb energy from sunlight and transform it into electrical energy.

That collected electrical energy is then stored in the trees’ AI-driven energy storage and management system, which releases this power and manages it. There are other simple solar trees on the market, for example, Smartflower – a rather large daisy-shaped solar energy solution. But there are certain features that set the SolarBotanic Trees apart from similar designs on the market. First and foremost, the Smartflower has a four-kilowatt system, while the SolarBotanic Trees have been equipped with a five-kilowatt capacity, a larger capacity than other trees available today. Also, the SolarBotanic Trees will have a lower and more economical price point, which will make the product more accessible to the masses.

The SolarBotanic Trees will provide solar energy solutions for homes, businesses, and commercial parking spaces. The commercial version or the SolarBotanic Tree “v01” will be available in mid-2023 and version “v02” with an energy management system (EMS), battery storage, and rapid EV-charging system will be available later in the year. A third version the “v03” will be available in 2025 – it will use an advanced combination of wind and solar power generation modules.

The post These dome-shaped solar trees use AI to charge electric vehicles and combat the issue of EV charging first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 solar-powered designs all sustainability advocates need to add in their lives

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One resolution that we should all be striving towards collectively by now – is to start living more consciously and in an eco-friendly manner, which includes paying attention to, and giving consideration to our energy sources. Curbing fossil fuel consumption has now become a priority, and we have a more positive energy source in mind as an alternative – the Sun! Solar energy has pretty much won over the world, and we see it being utilized in all aspects of design, whether it’s solar-powered kitchen appliances, homes, or even hotels. And, we’ve put together a collection of ingenious solar-powered products that will make a MAJOR difference in your everyday life. From a paper-thin solar cell that could bring solar power to any surface, to solar-powered umbrella canopies inspired by Acacia trees – these solar-powered designs are bound to make some eco-friendly waves this year.

1. The Sunne Light

Dutch lighting brand Sunne partnered up with designer Marjan van Aubel to create their first product – a self-powered solar light that harvests by energy day to light up your home at night. Called, the Sunne light, the sunlight-mimicking lamp gathers solar energy and is in turn exclusively powered by it. It aims to bring the power of the sun into your home!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sunne light has been equipped with photovoltaic cells and is meant to be hung in front of a window. The suspended lighting fixture collects solar energy through the entirety of the day, and at night it utilizes this energy to illuminate your home. It features an integrated battery that stores the solar energy it collects and hence eliminates any reliance on an external or additional power source.

What we like

  • Inspired by the horizon
  • The lamp remains suspended in the air

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

2. The Luci Beam LED

Designed by Mpowered, the Luci Beam LED is a 2-in-1 solar-powered headlamp and flashlight, that is power-packed in a water-resistant body, allowing it to be utilized in all kinds of situations without any hassle. The product can provide up to 300 lumens of brightness, which should come in handy in so many use cases: whether you are searching for something in the store room or illuminating your pathway during a hike.

Why is it noteworthy?

Luci Beam’s ability to transform from a handheld to a headlamp is what makes it stand out from other lighting designs in the market! The 2-in-1 headlamp and flashlight is solar-powered but can also be recharged via USB if there is no sun, so you are never left stranded in the middle of an adventure.

What we like

  • Features a micro-USB cable to charge on the go
  • A secure headband for the headlamp and the wrist strap for the flashlight make sure that the device is always securely strapped on

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how sturdy it is to handle the rough outdoors

3. Paper-thin Solar Cell

MIT researchers created a paper-thin solar cell that is so thin and lightweight, that you can place it on almost any kind of surface! solar panels can generate 370 watts per kilogram of power, which is actually 18 times more as compared to regular solar cells.

Why is it noteworthy?

Not only does this mean that they are viable alternatives to heavy panels that burden your roof, but they can also be installed on almost any surface, including flexible ones like boat sails or tents. This paper-thin solar cell is excellent for tents, especially when they are situated in disaster-stricken areas, where power grids may not be operable at times.

What we like

  • 18 times more powerful compared to conventional cells
  • Can be bent or rolled like a piece of paper

What we dislike

  • Missing a protective layer that will protect the cells from the environment

4. The Invisible Solar

The Invisible Solar are panels that look like these clay tiles but actually have cells underneath them that will be able to generate solar energy and power the building they are placed on.

Why is it noteworthy?

The common monocrystalline silicon cells are made from non-toxic materials and are the “invisible” part of the solar panels. Each panel is able to reach a 7.5-watt peak (peak energy capacity) and weighs around 2 kilograms each.

What we like

  • The ceramic tiles look opaque but are still able to absorb the sun rays that will power the cells
  • They are even self-cleaning as it has photocatalytic properties

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are unassuming

5. Ecacia

Designed by Samuel Wilkinson, Ecacia is a tree-like structure inspired by one of the species of the Acacia tree that grows in eastern and Southern Africa. This huge umbrella-like structure not only provides shade from sun and rain but can also power amenities located near it or charge electric vehicles as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features four programmable LED lamps that give off light to the surrounding areas at the night. Prototypes in the future will also be amped with a cooling mist function so that the public areas can be cooled down during the warm season. The umbrellas will provide a temporary respite to passersby.

What we like

  • Features 708 monocrystalline solar panels to capture solar energy

What we dislike

  • It’s still in the prototype stage!

6. The Tesla Solar Range Extending Trailer

Tesla quietly launched one of its innovations at IdeenExpo in Hannover German. The EV giant unveiled a prototype of yet another product they’re working on – a trailer that attaches to the back of your EV and has been amped with fold-out solar panels and battery packs that help expand your EV’s range.

Why is it noteworthy?

Called, the Tesla Solar Range Extending trailer, the electric vehicle is quite simply put – massive. It’s as big as the other large trailers on the market, and it boasts fold-out solar panels that charge a pretty large battery pack placed below it. This battery pack can be used as an additional power source for the EV.

What we like

  •  Features a SpaceX Starlink internet terminal
  • Amped with solar panels

What we dislike

  • We don’t know if or when it will be launched

7. The Parelio

The Parelio looks like a super fun design, and it is! It is a  solar-powered beach umbrella that is able to harness the power of the sun to create sustainable energy. The accessory is ideal for both lawns and beaches, and it can absorb sunlight, and convert it into electricity that can be used to power phone chargers, coolers, mini-fridges, and machinery as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

Instead of the usual beach umbrella design that folds down towards the earth, this one folds upward towards the sun as it absorbs its energy. The inspiration for the design is a combination of origami and the solar systems on NASA spacecraft.

What we like

  • Amped with foldable photovoltaic panels
  • Folds upwards towards the sun, rather than towards the earth

What we dislike

  • It’s still a concept!

8. The Solgaard Solarbank Boombox

Solgaard Solarbank Boombox Shell 1

Solgaard Solarbank Boombox 3

Choosing a decent Bluetooth speaker is always a task, but now sustainability has been added to the mix as well! Your tech needs to be more eco-friendly as well now. The aim now is to make “greener” choices for the future of the planet. For this reason, the new Solgaard Solarbank Boombox portable speaker enters the market with a sustainable design.

Why is it noteworthy?

The upcycled plastic design refers to speaker cloth and outer shell from plastic waste. These are waste materials but had been upcycled and used instead. This process is part of the brand’s initiative to pull about 5 lbs of plastic for every product sold.

What we like

  • The Solgaard Solarbank Boombox lets you enjoy music while the battery harnesses the power of the sun
  •  It is sand-proof, water-proof, and drop-proof

What we dislike

  • The speaker’s looks are unimpressive and quite common

9. Stil

Humans need water to survive, however, and people in remote parts of the world are forced to drink unclean, bacteria-laden water just to live, only to get sick from the same. Deploying water purifiers to these locations might sound like the simplest solution, but most of these require electricity which is also difficult to come by, even with solar generators. This concept, however, harnesses the power of the sun in a different way and offers a solution that is sustainable through and through.

Why is it noteworthy?

Stil, in contrast, uses solar energy, not to power electronics but to clean the water almost directly. It uses the age-old method of heating up water to boiling point and then collecting the condensation as clean, distilled water.

What we like

  • Can be positioned and used anywhere

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

10. The Matte Works Solar Watches

In today’s day and age, the world of smartwatches is run over by those with disposable lithium-ion batteries and planned obsolescence life cycles, the Matte Works solar watches are literally quite a refreshing change! These minimal and clean watches feature an evergreen aesthetic, that quite smartly conceals the solar panels placed below the watch dial.

Why is it noteworthy?

Unlike a smartwatch that ends up becoming ‘old news’ after the company launches its next version a year later, the Matte Works solar watches stay classy and functional for years, while underscoring the importance of relying on renewable energy.

What we like

  • The watch comes with a classic aesthetic that conceals its powerful feature underneath a tinted dial

What we dislike

  • Aesthetically looks quite similar to other watches on the market

The post Top 10 solar-powered designs all sustainability advocates need to add in their lives first appeared on Yanko Design.

Solar films may be the more flexible future of solar power

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Solar panels are a great way to create a clean energy source but it’s still not as flexible as you’d want it to be. The rigid framework limits the surfaces where you can use it and so we need something more malleable and flexible that can fit wherever you need it to fit. Solar films are the newest innovation when it comes to this kind of energy source and some European firms are trying to develop and utilize these products to create better renewable energy sources.

Designers: Heliatek and Solar Cloth

Solar films can do the same things as solar panels but they have a more flexible as well as lightweight characteristics so they’re easier to install in whatever surface you want. HeliaSol has actually been around since 2017, created by German brand Heliatek. It’s like a sticker that you can set up in places like schools, wind turbine facilities, and other areas with large surfaces, generating power of 85W per square meter and leaving a carbon footprint of less than 10g CO2e/kW. The company has also recently released HeliaFilm, this time it’s a stick-on roll of film that can stick to glass,. concrete, and metal.

Solar Cloth is a French company that previously launched their M170 solar film model. It is 0.5mm thick and can generate 170 watts per square meter and can be installed in different kinds of surfaces whether it’s straight or round. The technique they use to create the film is based on material recycling which makes it even more renewable. They said that this solar film is able to generate a 17.2% yield when they used it on a roll-up textile base.

The HeliaFilm uses organic photovoltaics (OVP) technology that basically uses light that is converted into electricity through semiconducting materials. The M170 also uses incorporates OVP but mainly uses Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium or CIGS technology. While both are good technology for solar power, the latter is a bit more green since as mentioned, they use recycled materials. Because of its flexibility and malleability, solar film may become more widely used than the regular solar panels.

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Solar-powered umbrella canopies are inspired by acacia trees

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As we continue to find ways to harness natural energy and power, we’re seeing a lot of concepts for products that can use solar energy for general use. Solar panels are slowly becoming a must-have for those trying to live more sustainably, but it still has a long way to go. We’re seeing several products that use solar energy in public settings too, although a lot of them are still in the conceptual stage or at least prototypes stage and may not yet be ready for general consumers. But at least, it’s a good start.

Designer: Samuel Wilkinson

Ecacia is a tree-like structure that’s based on one species of the acacia tree that grows in eastern and southern Africa. It is basically a huge solar-powered umbrella canopy that not only provides shade for people in public places but can also power nearby public amenities or even charge electric vehicles. There are 708 monocrystalline solar panels embedded in the roof of the umbrella to capture solar power. It can also be plugged into a grid.

In keeping with the tree concept, each umbrella is seven meters wide and the roof is timber-lined with a faceted nonagonal shape. The trunk is made from steel with aluminum cladding and comes in two sizes: 6.7 meters or 5.2 meters tall. There are also four programmable LED lamps that gives off some light to the surrounding areas at night. Eventually, future prototypes will also have a cooling mist function so that public areas that are experiencing hot weather can have a temporary respite when passing through the umbrella canopies.

The Ecacia can work as a stand-alone structure or as part of a cluster in parks and other public areas. It is designed to be both a structure for solar capture as well as a source of relief for public urban areas. The prototype was built together with start-up Solar Forma and is also designed to be easy to install. It can also withstand winds up to 160 kilometers per hour for those areas that may also experience extreme weather at times.

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Top 10 solar-powered designs to achieve an eco-friendly lifestyle in 2022

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It’s 2022 and we need to get as eco-friendly as we can! We can no more continue living the way we always have, ignoring the needs of the environment and being insensitive to Mother Earth. Living a more conscious life also includes taking into consideration our energy sources. Curbing fossil fuel consumption has now become a priority, and we have a more positive energy source in mind as an alternative – the Sun! Solar power is taking the world by storm. Designers and architects are coming up with solar-powered products, homes, hotels, offices, and automobiles! Solar energy can be used to power almost every object we use in our day-to-day lives. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of product designs backed up by the sun for you – from a Tesla trailer with solar panels to a luxury yacht that runs 100% on solar energy!

1. The Tesla Solar Range Extending Trailer

It isn’t quite like Tesla to do anything without fanfare, yet at the IdeenExpo in Hannover Germany, the EV giant unveiled a prototype of yet another product they’re working on – a trailer that attaches to the back of your EV, with fold-out solar panels and battery packs that help expand your EV’s range

Why is it noteworthy?

The Tesla Solar Range Extending Trailer is pretty massive. It would perfectly complement your Cybertruck when hooked onto it, and it boasts a set of fold-out solar panels that charge a huge battery pack below it. The impressive trailer even sports a built-in SpaceX Starlink satellite internet receiver providing you with a smooth internet connection, irrespective of where you are.

What we like

  •  Features a SpaceX Starlink internet terminal

What we dislike

  • We don’t know if or when it will be launched

2. The Parelio

The Parelio is a solar-powered beach umbrella that is able to harness the power of the sun to create sustainable energy. The lawn and beach accessory can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity for things like coolers, mini-refrigerators, phone chargers, and even to power machinery.

Why is it noteworthy?

Instead of the usual beach umbrella design that folds down towards the earth, this one folds upward towards the sun as it absorbs its energy. The inspiration for the design is a combination of origami and the solar systems on NASA spacecraft.

What we like

  • Amped with foldable photovoltaic panels

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

3. The Adidas RPT-02 SOL

Dubbed the Adidas RPT-02 SOL, these pair of over-the-ear cans juice up with natural light or even artificial light. So, they’ll not need to recharge any time soon.

Why is it noteworthy?

These headphones are a follow-up to the RPT-01(not solar-powered) and promise almost double the playback time at around 80 hours. Not to forget that the RPT-02 SOL are solar powered, and the battery keeps topping up as long as you are exposed to good lighting conditions.

What we like

  • Crafted out of recycled plastic
  • Used a highly flexible light-cell material by Powerfoyle

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

4. Solgaard Solarbank Boombox

Solgaard Solarbank Boombox Shell 1

Solgaard Solarbank Boombox 3

Finding a decent Bluetooth speaker may be easy because there are many options. But getting the best or the most affordable one isn’t always the goal. The aim now is to make “greener” choices for the future of the planet. For this reason, the new Solgaard Solarbank Boombox portable speaker enters the market with a sustainable design.

Why is it noteworthy?

The upcycled plastic design refers to speaker cloth and outer shell from plastic waste. These are waste materials but had been upcycled and used instead. This process is part of the brand’s initiative to pull about 5lbs of plastic for every product sold.

What we like

  • The Solgaard Solarbank Boombox lets you enjoy music while the battery harnesses the power of the sun
  • The Solarbank Boombox is also now sand-proof, water-proof, and drop-proof

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

5. The Urbanista Phoenix

Don’t you hate it when you pop your AirPods into your ears only to get a notification that you forgot to charge them? Well, the Urbanista Phoenix seems to have an unusually sensible fix. Equipped with a Powerfoyle solar panel on the charging case, the Phoenix just keeps charging your TWS Earbuds whenever it has access to sunlight or any bright light.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Phoenix builds on that rather clever idea by introducing solar panels onto the charging case instead (because the TWS earbuds themselves are too small to put solar panels on). This effectively allows the earbuds to charge in their case without you needing to physically plug them in or place them on a wireless charging mat.

What we like

  • Has built-in active noise canceling
  • IPX4 water resistance

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

6. The Cladrus

Borrowing from the LightYear One EV’s framework, the Polestar Cladrus concept car comes with transparent solar panels built into its roof, which feeds energy to the car’s graphene-based battery and body panel. If that wasn’t cutting-edge enough, the car’s also been envisioned with level 5 autonomy, thanks to the presence of a Waymo-esque sensor hub on the front of the roof.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Cladrus embodies everything Polestar stands for. It’s cutting-edge, runs on an electrical grid, puts drivers in the lap of luxury, and boasts of a Scandinavian design language that gives the car its signature clean aesthetic. The car also details the partnership agreement between Polestar and Waymo by delivering something that looks rather palpable.

What we like

  • Use of recycled metals and plastics in the entire car
  • Comes with a sprawling sun-roof that goes from the front all the way to the back

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The Matte Works Solar Watches

In a world dominated by smartwatches with disposable lithium-ion batteries and planned obsolescence life cycles, the Matte Works solar watches are refreshing in more ways than one. Not only are they pretty remarkable wristwatches with an evergreen aesthetic, but they also come with solar panels hiding discreetly under the watch dial

Why is it noteworthy?

Unlike a smartwatch that ends up becoming ‘old news’ after the company launches its next version a year later, the Matte Works solar watches stay classy and functional for years, while underscoring the importance of relying on renewable energy.

What we like

  • The watch comes with a classic aesthetic that conceals its powerful feature underneath a tinted dial

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

8. Sunnyside

Meet Sunnyside, a nifty bento box with a self-heating AND cooling feature that brings your lunch to the right temperature just before your meal. A heating coil around the metal container helps evenly conduct thermal energy around your food, keeping hot stuff hot, or if you’ve got something like an egg/potato salad that’s out in the sun, a pair of fans located on the bottom of the lunchbox pull out warm air, ensuring your food doesn’t spoil in the heat

Why is it noteworthy?

However, the most impressive bit is? Sunnyside relies almost entirely on a solar panel built right into its lid, working off renewable energy. A solar panel built into the lid helps charge the Sunnyside’s internal 10,000mAh battery that powers the lunchbox’s heating and cooling features, and a tiny LCD screen and buttons on the side help you control your Sunnyside, choosing how hot or cool you want the contents of your box to be.

What we like

  • Doubles up as a wireless power bank to charge your phone, AirPods, or even your laptop

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

9. The Oneiric

Christened the Oneiric, this twin-hulled catamaran sports Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature fluid design and comes with a solar-paneled roof that lets the yacht run entirely on renewable energy.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Oneiric is a 42-meter-long yacht (or a catamaran to be precise) with a twin-hull design that gives it a broader footprint. Its organic, fluid design falls well within the identity of the design language Zaha Hadid Architects is known for. The main deck features a saloon containing a bar and integrated sofas that open onto a second deck with an inbuilt hot tub and two sets of steps that lead down into the sea.

What we like

  • Has the ability to switch to 100% solar energy

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

10. Solego 2.0

Clean, green, and renewable energy is nowhere more needed than in locations where electricity is not only expensive but also as rare as gold. These are areas where power generators are the go-to solution of homeowners and businesses, which often translates to gasoline generators. These, after all, are nearly ubiquitous, which means they’re easy to find and, more often than not, inexpensive. They are, however, also the worst in almost all other aspects, so more efficient and more economical options are always in high demand.

Why is it noteworthy?

Solego 2.0 addresses those needs by being green in two ways, with the most obvious being how it charges its batteries from the sun. The design is modular so that each battery “pack” can be stacked or extended to provide more power as needed.

What we like

  • The battery uses LiFePO4 or Lithium iron phosphate that doesn’t contain rare earths

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

The post Top 10 solar-powered designs to achieve an eco-friendly lifestyle in 2022 first appeared on Yanko Design.

These exquisite solar watches use green energy from the sun to keep the timepiece running

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In a world dominated by smartwatches with disposable lithium-ion batteries and planned obsolescence life cycles, the Matte Works solar watches are refreshing in more ways than one. Not only are they pretty remarkable wristwatches with an evergreen aesthetic, they also come with solar panels hiding discreetly under the watch dial. These panels pull energy from any light source, be it the sun or artificial interior light. This renewable energy powers the watch thousands of times before the battery on the inside needs to be replaced. Unlike a smartwatch that ends up becoming ‘old news’ after the company launches its next version a year later, the Matte Works solar watches stay classy and functional for years, while underscoring the importance of relying on renewable energy.

Designer: Matte Works Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $195 $285 (32% off). Hurry, only 47/60 left!

Inspired by the beauty of solar power plant, Solution-01 is powered by light and designed with interchangeable straps.

What’s wonderful about Matte Works’ Solution-01 solar-powered watch is that it doesn’t wear its unique ability on its sleeve. The watch comes with a classic aesthetic that conceals its powerful feature underneath a tinted dial in a way that’s understated and awe-inspiring. You’d never be able to tell that the wristwatch has a solar panel built into it, which is what makes the Solution-01 just so special.

Available in both white or black variants, the watch has a minimalist appeal that seems almost effortless, with a 316L Stainless Steel body, a scratch-resistant sapphire-coated crystal display, and a nylon fabric strap that’s easy to fasten even with one hand (points for accessibility there). The dial itself comes in either black or white, with a matte pattern that’s inspired by the way solar panels are laid out in linear patterns found on roofs or radial patterns in heliostat solar power plants. The watch face is simplistic, with a date window and crown located at the 3 o’clock position. Underneath all this, however, is the Solution-01’s USP, its sun-powered watch movement.

Featuring Interchangeable Straps – Pair Solution-01 with leather or nylon strap for your outfit of the day, without any additional tool.

Minimal, yet Architectural and Utilitarian Case Design – With a design language that emphasizes simplicity, Solution-01 is a contemporary vision while retaining an essential charm.

Solar Power Dial Design – Over the solar panel of the movement features a patterned translucent dial, which is inspired by the structure of the design of solar power plants.

The Matte Works Solution-01 run on a VS42A Japanese Solar Movement, which draws power from a solar panel that sits right under the translucent patterned dial. The wristwatch can run continuously for a staggering 180 days on a full charge (that’s even longer than your average quartz watch), and can even be submerged up to 5 ATM (50 meters) thanks to its water-resistant build. The Solution-01 even comes with an additional strap included in the box (you can opt for a nylon one or even a premium leather strap); an offer that’s limited to its Super Early Bird backers, starting at $195 USD.

Click Here to Buy Now: $195 $285 (32% off). Hurry, only 47/60 left!

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These low-cost solar-powered homes in Sweden are the energy efficient housing solution we need in 2022

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On a street in Örebro, Sweden, you’ll find a set of ten solar-powered rowhouses, each placed artfully against the other, creating a quaint L-shaped development of zero-energy affordable homes. Designed by Street Monkey Architects, the homes make use of passive building principles and photovoltaic panels to generate all the energy they would require to function all year long. Also, the intriguing roofline of the development instantly caught our eyes – besides its solar-power generating capabilities.

Designer: Street Monkey Architects

Adequately insulated, nearly airtight, and amped with ventilation systems that retain a generous amount of heat, the row of homes is not only well-equipped but also showcases certain variations and differences in its exterior. For example – the homes on the east-west side feature a stunning sawtooth roofline and are pitched at an angle to capture as much sunlight as possible. They also feature white plaster facades. Whereas, the homes on the north-south side feature silver facades, and wooden slats to further accentuate the visual variation. This creates a melange of homes that are visually interesting to look at, and manage to contrast one another in a harmonious manner. It also provides residents with a sense of identity and reassures them that their home has its own individual character and unique personality.

The two-story, 1600-square-foot homes are almost completely solar powered, and the unused energy is stored in on-site batteries, which are later sold back to the grid. They arrive in the form of six modules with finished interiors. They are later erected and connected together, producing a smooth development of homes, that effortlessly transition from one unit to another.

The interiors are beautiful, open, and spacious. An airy aura radiates throughout the homes, with a kitchen on the ground floor opening to the dining room, which in turn leads to the living room. Two sets of glass doors in the living room, give you access to a terrace, which acts as a natural extension of the living room.

Steels stairs are supported by vertical wires, creating a suspended staircase, which leads you to three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a family room on the upper level.

The family room is one of my favorite spaces – a warm and minimal area with natural wooden floors and white walls – a great place to relax and connect with your loved ones.

These solar homes are not only spacious, inviting, and exquisitely designed, but they’re also quite affordable. These are the kind of modern and energy-efficient housing solutions we need in 2022!

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