TEXTILES.ORG
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded $199,260 to Boston-based Protect the Force Inc. for the development of photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting fabrics that will be able to produce and store electricity within the fabric’s weave to power portable devices.
The company received its award for a project titled “Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Harvesting Textiles for Homeland Security Ensembles” under S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) Other Transaction Solicitation Energy Harvesting Fabrics – HSHQDC-17-R-00050. This is the first award under this solicitation
The company will develop PV fiber that can be woven into a “power fabric” and integrated with first responder garments to provide a reliable, portable power source. The power fabric can be used to make first responder gear or placed as panels on protective clothing. The first phase will see the company fabricating, testing and weaving the fiber into a textile matrix.
“A wearable, portable power source could support safety equipment and communication tools; it has the potential to improve the work of first responders across the nation,” said Melissa Ho, SVIP managing director.