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Vibration Energy Scavenging By Tiny Generator
UK scientists have created a tiny generator powered by ordinary vibration from the environment. A masterpiece of Vibration Energy Scavenging, this tiny (less than one cubic centimeter) device would have a variety of uses.
(Tiny generator with vibration energy scavenging)
Dr. Steve Beeby, of the University of Southampton, uses magnets on a cantilever to generate power. As the magnetw wobble, a tiny amount of power measured in microwatts is generated.
"The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations..."
This device could power sensors in high-vibration equipment (like air compressors), but might also be adapted for use in the human heart. The constant beats might provide power for pacemakers or other devices.
Science fiction fans of course remember an early example of power scavenging - also called parasitic power harvesting - in the stillsuit from Frank Herbert's 1965 masterpiece Dune.
Motions of the body, especially breathing, and some osmotic action provide the pumping force.
(Read more about the stillsuit)
Update 05-Jun-2021: Here's a very early reference in science fiction to the idea that power can be harvested from minute stray sources of energy in the environment; see harvesting power from stray energy from The Golden Girl of Munan (1928) by Harl Vincent. End update.
Check out these power harvesters:
-
- NASA And Water Security Working On A Stillsuit
- Backpack Generator Harnesses Power Of Walking
- Nanogenerator Harvests Mechanical Energy
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 7/7/2007)
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