Solar energy harvest on bicycle helmet for smart wearable sensors

In this paper is presented the research towards the implementation of a prototype helmet for cyclists, equipped with a distributed array of PV cells. The work aims to create a power supply, either independent or auxiliary, for smart and wearable sensors. The implemented prototype has been characterized both in a controlled environment and on the field to assess the amount of generated useful energy. The system proposed in this paper can be used to produce energy to supply a smart sensor based device placed on the helmet; as an application, this could be used to send an alarm in case of an accident occurred to a cyclist, without placing heavy or dangerous battery on the head of the final user.