[DEMO] Parent Technology Group: Scale-Up and Demonstration of Large Size Solar Fabric Structure

Recent events have highlighted a need for self-powered temporary fabric shelters and structures that are lightweight, easy to set up, durable, and low cost. Parent Technology Group, through US Army funding, has developed and demonstrated small-scale, solar power-producing fabrics using flexible circuits that provide the low weight, flexibility, and drapability needed for such structures. Self-powered fabric structures would enable near immediate access to lighting, communication and other functions once erected, without the need for line power. Such a structure could incorporate battery-based energy storage, lighting, device charging, as well as active functionality, such as integrated cellular and WiFi communications while maintaining critical fabric properties. This integration of multiple technologies will depend on flex-circuit innovations that enable the large-scale interconnection and operation of power-producing and power-consuming devices with minimum impact to the structure's fabric-like properties. We are currently working to scale-up our patented and patent-pending solar fabric design into a full-size, solar-powered, system. End-products based upon our design will be readily transportable to areas of need and quickly unfurled into a functional shelter that produces electrical power upon exposure to sunlight.