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Wireless Power Is Coming

Posted July 15, 2007 10:00 AM by Steve Melito
Pathfinder Tags: batteries micro power piezoelectric actuators

They said it couldn't be done! Wires and batteries for ultra-low-power sensors in many electronics applications may yet join buggy whips in the ranks of obsolete technologies. A research center in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, has demonstrated that an array of piezoelectric actuators can harvest vibrations and turn them into electricity. The ingenious technique can provide power for sensors in both normal and harsh applications. The initial versions will provide micro-watt-level power — enough to address a variety of situations — in about five years.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Engineering Management, a newsletter from GlobalSpec.To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Engineering Management today.

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taejonkwando
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 441
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#1

Re: Wireless Power Is Coming

07/16/2007 9:47 AM

Interesting. Converting vibrational energy to electrical energy is a clever approach to harvesting unused energy sources. I suspect someday our laptops, Ipods, cell phones and other personal electronic devices will not only unified but powered by piezoelectric devices and other alternatives such as thermoelectric conversion of our own body heat.

I have a Red Army (Soviet Union era) thermoelectric generating unit which, when placed over a campfire, will generate enough current to power a a 12 watt light. Handy to have on camping trips.

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cwarner7_11
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Re: Wireless Power Is Coming

07/16/2007 11:59 AM

Wouldn't it be nice if one could develop a harvester powered by the excessive accoustic energy in the environment? Attenuate the noise, and get something useful out of it as well...
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