19.2 Human motion-based energy harvesting

Human motion-based energy harvesting taps into our everyday movements to power wearable devices. From walking to breathing, our bodies are constant sources of energy that can be converted into electricity through clever engineering.

This approach offers exciting possibilities for self-powered wearables and medical implants. By harnessing natural motions like footsteps or heartbeats, we can create sustainable power sources that seamlessly integrate with our daily lives.

Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

Principles and Mechanisms of Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

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• Biomechanical energy harvesting converts human body movements into usable electrical energy
• Utilizes natural motions like walking, running, or arm swinging to generate power
• Employs various transduction mechanisms (piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrostatic)
• Aims to power wearable devices, medical implants, or portable electronics
• Efficiency depends on the location of the harvester and the type of movement harnessed

Gait-Based Energy Generation Systems

• Gait-based energy generation captures energy from walking or running motions
• Focuses on lower body movements, particularly in the feet, ankles, and knees
• Harnesses the impact forces and joint rotations during the gait cycle
• Can generate power in the range of milliwatts to watts, depending on the system design
• Applications include powering GPS trackers, health monitors, or emergency beacons

Innovative Energy Harvesting Technologies

• Piezoelectric shoe inserts convert foot pressure into electrical energy
  • Utilize piezoelectric materials that generate charge when mechanically stressed
  • Can be integrated into shoe soles without affecting comfort or gait
  • Typical power output ranges from 1-10 mW during normal walking
• Joint movement harvesters capture energy from knee or elbow flexion
  • Often use electromagnetic generators coupled with gear systems
  • Can produce 1-5 W of power during normal walking or arm swinging
  • Challenges include minimizing user discomfort and optimizing weight
• Kinetic energy conversion systems harness general body movements
  • Include pendulum-based generators worn on the body (wrist, backpack)
  • Convert linear or rotational motion into electrical energy
  • Power output varies widely depending on the specific design and activity level

Physiological Energy Scavenging

Respiration-Based Energy Harvesting Techniques

• Respiration energy harvesting captures energy from breathing movements
• Utilizes the expansion and contraction of the chest during inhalation and exhalation
• Employs flexible piezoelectric materials or electromagnetic generators
• Can be integrated into clothing or chest straps for continuous energy generation
• Typical power output ranges from 0.1-1 mW, depending on breathing rate and depth
• Potential applications include powering small medical sensors or activity trackers

Cardiovascular Energy Scavenging Methods

• Heartbeat energy scavenging harvests energy from cardiac muscle contractions
• Captures the mechanical energy of the heart's pumping action
• Uses piezoelectric or electromagnetic transducers placed near the heart
• Can be implemented in implantable medical devices (pacemakers, defibrillators)
• Generates power in the microwatt range, typically 1-10 µW per heartbeat
• Challenges include biocompatibility, long-term stability, and minimizing interference with cardiac function