Cool New Device Turns Body Movement into an Alternative Energy Source
An amazing invention from Michigan State University. Thin as a piece of paper, sticks to you like a sticker and it harnesses power from being repeatedly folded during exercise.
There have been similar types of devices made before but this one is noteworthy because it is more powerful.
The unlimited potential applications this device could have on almost any current technology from swiping your phone’s screen to walking or even putting it on your pets as they play. Energy is created simply through motion and as the device is bent electricity is created.
“we’re on the path toward wearable devices powered by human motion,” said Nelson Sepulveda, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and lead investigator of the project.
http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2016/flexible-device-captures-energy-from-human-motion/
Transferring and storing that electricity is still under development. At the moment a piece about the size of the palm of your hand placed on your knee will create enough energy to power a cell phone with a 35 minute bike ride or work out.
Cool stuff eh? How does it work you ask.
The foundation of this technology is actually quite common it’s called Piezoelectricity and it’s most likely you have used this in modern lighters. Just like the image below. By applying pressure energy is created and you can channel it to be stored or to power something. In this example the energy is released to light gas on fire.
(image credit) http://global.kyocera.com/fcworld/charact/elect/piezo.html
“Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. The word Piezoelectric is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and piezo, which is Greek for ‘push’.”
http://www.nanomotion.com/piezo-ceramic-motor-technology/piezoelectric-effect/
(Example of piezoelectricity)
Learn more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity
This new way of using that same idea is revolutionary because it is so incredibly small and thin and can be placed on anything that moves even the slightest to create electricity.
How much power you ask.
“The researchers conducted a few tests using different sizes of the piezoelectic sheet to measure its voltage. In one test a palm-sized sheet cranked out about 50 volts was able to power 20 LED lights.”
http://www.livescience.com/57167-flexible-film-captures-energy-from-motion.html
(maybe they used lights like these ones)
By including it in future touch screen designs when you swipe your phone with your finger over the thin film and pressure is applied; it’s that pressure can be used to create, channel and store electricity. Thus prolonging your phones battery.
Imagine your devices never ran out of power and never need to plug them in or keep a back up battery. You wouldn’t even need to rely on a sunny day. In the least it will reduce the down time and the power drainage so your electrical needs will be met for longer periods of time.
(image credit http://jamesdelectric.com/)
Cool stuff eh.
@steemstem approved.
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A really great write up on a very interesting and useful technology. A future where even movement by our own bodies is converted into energy for keeping our personal devices charged is one that we should all want to see. Reducing the impact that we have on the planet through use of any and all available renewable sources of energy, or ones that are currently being wasted (like our movements) is a fantastic path to be taking going forward!
As a bonus, and in addition to resteeming for exposure. We are awarding you a small 5 Steem Power deposit as a thank you for creating quality STEM related postings on Steemit. We hope you will continue to educate us all!
What is gained by flagging this comment?
My apologies, I was honestly only trying to curate this post and thought the banner / link comment was spam. Honest mistake, I guess I was curating a bit too quickly that day. I changed it to upvote. :-)
Cool. I really thought something must be up. ^^
I'm like who has something against steemstem?
I can make changes too. ^^
I'll have to think twice next time I see banner links in comments. I'm seeing a lot more helpful ones than in the past, when they were mostly spam taking away from the comments experience. Now a lot more helpful non-spam ones, it's great to see.
They should put this technology on the roads. When tires drive over it, the streetlights can be charged.
hey,, you're onto something there.
Put it on the rails as well and turn trains into power plants. Possibilities are endless with this one.
That's what I was thinking. Gonna be neat to see where it goes.
That is really awesome! I was confused at first when you said "folding" I thought it meant folding and refolding which would make the material smaller and thicker, hence more difficult to fold. But by a constant bending, I can see how energy is delivered. I hope I live long enough to see it in practical everyday use.
sure you will. this one can be worn on the body. But soon you will see it on touchpads, i randomly guess in 2 years.
Trying to figure out why @taoteh1221 flagged the @steemsetm comment.
He also resteemed ths post. weird.
Do you understand the reason?
hmm.. no definitive answer.
all good now. simple msis-click
Pfiou! :)
My apologies, I was honestly only trying to curate this post and thought the banner / link comment was spam. Honest mistake, I guess I was curating a bit too quickly that day. I changed it to upvote. :-)