After solar installation in clothing like solar shirts, now solar blankets are getting attention in the industry. This time, a 12-year-old student from Scotland has come up with a smart idea to help people who live on the streets.
Rebecca Young, a student from Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, has created a solar-powered blanket to keep homeless people warm. She made the blanket as part of the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal competition. A UK-wide event where students solve real problems using engineering. Rebecca’s idea won a Commendation Medal and praise from experts.
The idea started during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Rebecca saw people sleeping outside in the cold. She wanted to help them, so she made a blanket that runs on solar energy instead of electricity from a wall plug.
The blanket comes inside a backpack that holds solar panels and a battery. The solar panels charge the battery during the day, and the battery powers the heated blanket at night. It works for up to eight hours, which is the average time someone sleeps. The blanket also has a sensor that turns it on or off based on temperature, saving energy.
Rebecca worked with engineers from Thales to build a real model of her design. Her teacher, Leigh Goldie, said it’s special to see a young student use creativity to solve a real problem. Thales is now looking at developing and patenting the design.
The backpack also gives space for carrying things, and the blanket is shaped like a sleeping bag to keep heat in. It may also help in camping or disaster relief situations.
Rebecca’s project shows that good ideas can come from anyone. Her solar blanket is not just a product—it’s a small step to help people who need it the most.
Source:
0 Comments