Energy Harvester Says Bye Bye Battery!

A group of researchers from University of Liverpool, Cranfield University, and University of Salford have come up with an ‘energy harvester’, capable of powering a number of wearable devices like heart rate monitors, accelerometers and pedometers, cutting out the constant trouble of replacing their batteries. The two major components of this circular energy harvesting device are an outer ring (comprising of 72 plectra) and a central hub, connected by four energy generating arms called ‘bimorphs’, a type of piezoelectric device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa.
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Once the device is fit on the knee, the walking motion initiates rotation of the outer ring causing the plectrum to vibrate these bimorphs. Presently the device produces 2 milliwatts of power, but the researchers are certain to increase it to 30 milliwatts or more with few ‘realistic’ improvements to ease out wireless transmission and advanced signal processing. Efforts are already in motion to manufacture these harvesters commercially and can be expected to cost under £10.

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