Now, wear this patch to stay cool on the go
What's the story
Sweating in hot summer days can be really annoying, especially for those living in India at this time of the year.
However, the good news is, all summer woes could soon come to an end thanks to researchers from University of California San Diego.
They have developed a unique wearable that can keep you cool, even on the go.
Here's all about it.
Device
Wearable patch for cooling and heating
The patch in question is a battery-powered device that cools - or warms - the wearer's skin to a certain comfortable temperature.
It works as a personalized solution for cooling/heating and adjusts the temperature even as the surrounding temperature changes.
To note, this thing can also be attached to your shirts or pants for personalized cooling/heating at work or while commuting.
Working
How this patch works
As we know, other cooling/heating devices rely on elements like a fan or water.
However, this particular patch is the exact opposite of those gadgets and has been devised with thermoelectric alloys sandwiched between stretchy elastomer sheets.
The alloys use battery power to create a temperature difference, thereby heating or cooling the sheet and the wearers' skin to a chosen temperature.
Quote
Placing the patch at right spot is critical
Elaborating on its benefits, project researcher Sahngki Hong says, "You could place this on spots that tend to warm up or cool down faster than the rest of the body, such as the back, neck, feet or arms."
Mission
Goal to build clothes capable of controlling temperature
As the device worked perfectly in tests (even when the ambient temperature varied), the team is working towards streamlining its solution.
Ultimately, they want to combine multiple units of these patches into smart clothes that would provide personal cooling or heating whenever required.
In fact, they are already in the process of integrating the patches with a prototype vest.
Advantage
You could save energy costs
If the team actually manages to develop clothes that could provide personal cooling or heating, there would be a whole new way to save energy bills.
Basically, they could save you from turning the AC on, even when the temperature is extremely high.
The researchers estimate they could cut energy costs by up to 70% if used properly.