Phifer | Solar Harvesting Fabric

Bruce Anderson, Parker Baker

Solar harvesting yarns are a promising solution for renewable energy in various applications. Phifer Incorporated partnered with our Senior Design team to develop a process for creating a fiber-based photovoltaic (PV). We were tasked with creating a circular substrate capable of generating energy.

After a thorough literature review, we determined that an organic photovoltaic design was the most suitable option. The team designed multiple apparati to apply the necessary coatings and to test the yarn at the final stage of the process. Through a combination of literature review and trial and error, the team created solution formulas for each PV chemical.

The coating procedure is a multi-step process, and our team faced several challenges regarding the application procedure. However, we addressed and solved most of these challenges to create a working PV yarn.

We hope our work prepares future Senior Design students to finish this project. The project demonstrates the potential for creating renewable energy solutions through innovative textile engineering techniques.