Work

Spindle of light: solar-powered pressurised spinning for sustainable fibre production

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A sustainable alternative to current fibre manufacturing methods is proposed, featuring a portable, solar-powered, pressurised spinning system that integrates a smart battery and a photovoltaic charger, thereby avoiding grid dependence and reducing energy usage. Decoupling motor operation from the grid with an intelligent battery buffer that maximises thermodynamic efficiency, a comparative analysis of the innovation with the traditional grid-powered pressurised spinning system is conducted. By converting solar energy into mechanical work, the system enables decentralised manufacturing of soft materials. This off-grid innovation enables decentralised manufacturing of soft functional materials, resulting in a 31.8% reduction in energy usage compared to traditional pressurised spinning methods, consuming 21 W to maintain 11,000 rpm, thereby defining a new era in fibre manufacturing with ultra-low energy consumption of 0.175 Wh per 30-s cycle. Furthermore, the system demonstrated a maximum battery runtime of 4.29 h and maintained the fibre yield around 70%. This results in zero direct operational CO₂ emissions and zero operational energy costs, as the device is powered entirely by photovoltaic input.

Source: Applied Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.128062

Authors: Mehmet Onur Aydogdu, Mohan Edirisinghe

Institution: University College London

Language: English

Topic: Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,430