Windows that outsmart the elements
New research introduces adaptable smart window design that can heat or cool a house. The film changes its properties to absorb sunlight in winter and reflect it in summer, reducing energy consumption by 20-34%.
Energy Harvesting
Articles tagged with Energy Harvesting
Smart textiles: High performance, breathable fabric to power small electronics
Scientists at the University of Fukui developed a new triboelectric fabric that generates electricity from body movement, maintaining flexibility and breathability. The fabric, called AF-TENG, can power low-powered devices like LEDs and calculators, demonstrating its potential in wearable technology.
Smart material switches between heating and cooling in minutes
Researchers at Duke University developed electrochromic technology that can alternate between harvesting heat from sunlight and allowing an object to cool. The device, which uses a thin layer of graphene and metal nanoparticles, demonstrates a tuning range of thermal radiation never seen before.
Now everyone can build battery-free electronic devices
Researchers introduce a new platform called BFree that allows users to build battery-free devices using intermittent energy harvesting. The system includes energy-harvesting hardware and a power-failure-resistant version of Python, making it accessible to novice programmers.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Work commences to develop the world's smallest brain-inspired computer
Scientists at Aarhus University are working on a nano-sized brain-inspired computer that can harvest its own energy, making it the smallest and most efficient AI system yet. The project aims to reduce power consumption by 12 orders of magnitude compared to modern supercomputers.
When walked on, these wooden floors harvest enough energy to turn on a lightbulb
A Swiss research team created a nanogenerator made from functionalized wood, generating 80 times more electricity than natural wood. The device can power household LED lamps and small electronic devices, demonstrating a potential sustainable energy source for smart buildings.
Using liquid metal to turn motion into electricity – even underwater
North Carolina State University researchers develop a soft and stretchable device that harnesses kinetic energy from movement to generate electricity. The device works in both dry and wet environments, including underwater, with a power density comparable to popular energy harvesting technologies.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021
Scientists develop an energy harvesting technology based on ferromagnetic resonance
Researchers at Osaka City University have successfully stored electricity using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in ultra-thin magnetic films. The team found that two alloys, Ni80Fe20 and Co50Fe50, generated varying amounts of electricity under FMR, with Co50Fe50 showing a steady increase in energy storage over time.
New clean energy tech extracts twice the power from ocean waves
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a wave energy converter that doubles the power harvested from ocean waves, overcoming technical challenges and unlocking vast untapped potential. The dual-turbine design is cost-effective and requires no special syncing technology.
New record-breaking thermoelectric material
Seoul National University researchers have created a new record-breaking thermoelectric material using tin and selenium elements, overcoming previous limitations with high performance and toxicity concerns. The material achieves a thermoelectric figure of merit greater than 3.1 and power generation efficiency exceeding 20% in bulk form.
This device harvests power from your sweaty fingertips while you sleep
Researchers have developed a new, efficient on-body energy harvester that produces 300 millijoules of energy per square centimeter without mechanical input. The device is powered by lactate in sweat and can be worn on the finger, making it suitable for self-sustainable wearable electronics.
Calling all couch potatoes: This finger wrap can let you power electronics while you sleep
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new wearable device that can generate electricity from human sweat, even when the wearer is asleep or sitting still. The device, which requires no physical input from the wearer, collects sweat from the fingertips and converts it into electrical energy.
NUS engineers devise novel approach to wirelessly power wearable devices
Researchers at NUS successfully demonstrated a system that wirelessly powers wearables by harnessing energy from the environment and transmitting it through the human body. The technology can power up to 10 wearable devices for over 10 hours, paving the way for battery-less wearables.
Reaping the benefits of noise
Researchers at AMOLF discovered that introducing slow non-linearity can increase the efficiency of mechanical oscillators harvesting energy from noise. This phenomenon, known as stochastic resonance, becomes robust to variations in signal frequency when systems have memory.
Wireless and battery-free spintronic energy harvester
Researchers at Tohoku University and NUS developed an array of electrically connected spintronic devices that can harvest a 2.4 GHz wireless signal to power small electronic devices and sensors. The technology overcomes the challenge of synchronizing multiple magnetic tunnel junctions, enabling efficient energy harvesting.
NUS engineers harvest WiFi signals to power small electronics
Researchers from NUS and TU have developed a method to harness WiFi signals using spin-torque oscillators, converting them into energy to power small electronics. The device successfully harvested energy from WiFi-band signals to light up an LED wirelessly without using any battery.
Patching up your health
Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.
Leveraging the 5G network to wirelessly power IoT devices
Georgia Tech inventors create a flexible Rotman lens-based rectenna system capable of millimeter-wave harvesting in the 28-GHz band, enabling large antenna operation with wide angle coverage. The technology achieved a 21-fold increase in harvested power compared to a referenced counterpart.
Researchers harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices
Researchers have developed a way to harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices, offering a sustainable and continuous energy source. The system consists of stretchable metal antennas that convert ambient radio waves into electricity, which can be used to power health-monitoring sensors.
Leading blue energy revolution
Researchers at CUHK have developed a water-tube-based triboelectric nanogenerator (WT-TENG) for harnessing irregular and low-frequency environmental energy, such as ocean waves. The device generates high output volumetric charge density, reaching 9 mC/m3, and can be easily combined to create larger units for increased power generation.
'Wearable microgrid' uses the human body to sustainably power small gadgets
A wearable microgrid developed by UC San Diego engineers powers small electronics using sweat-powered biofuel cells, motion-powered triboelectric generators, and energy-storing supercapacitors. The system can power devices quickly and continuously, lasting three times longer than traditional triboelectric generators alone.
Plastic solar cells combine high-speed optical communication with indoor energy harvesting
Plastic solar cells have been developed to harness both energy and transmit high-speed data signals using MIMO visible light communications. The cells overcome the limitations of large detector areas and electrical bandwidths by using an array of OPV cells as a receiver.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 2, 2021
New piezoelectric material remains effective to high temperatures
A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.
From heat to spin to electricity: Understanding spin transport in thermoelectric devices
Researchers studied the effect of 2D MoS2 layers on thermoelectric power in YIG/Pt heterostructures. They found that using a holey MoS2 multilayer increased thermoelectric power by 60%. The study revealed two quantum phenomena, the inverse spin Hall effect and the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect, responsible for this increase.
Could "Power Walking" fuel the energy revolution? India is ready to step up
A new study suggests that piezoelectric tiles could generate significant power, especially in crowded areas like Delhi and Mumbai. Researchers found that over 40% of respondents walked for more than three hours a day and were willing to produce their own electricity using their feet.
Novel film that that evaporates sweat six times faster and holds 15 times more moisture
A novel film developed by NUS researchers can evaporate sweat six times faster and hold 15 times more moisture than conventional materials. This breakthrough technology can power small wearable devices like watches and fitness trackers.
Stretchable micro-supercapacitors to self-power wearable devices
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new system that can harvest energy from human breathing and motion to power wearable health-monitoring devices. The system uses stretchable micro-supercapacitors with an island-bridge design, allowing it to stretch up to 100% without losing its functionality.
Identifying the microscopic mechanism of vibrational energy harvesters
Researchers discovered that inserting potassium atoms into amorphous silica creates a negative charge by forming a SiO5 structure, which accumulates electrons. This design guidance improves the reliability and longevity of vibrational energy harvesters.
Predictive model reveals function of promising energy harvester device
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a predictive model for an energy harvesting device that can convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The model helps optimize the device to generate more power, paving the way for its potential use in wireless sensors and actuators.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 29, 2020
Good vibrations for new energy
Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.
Plant-based spray could be used in n95 masks and energy devices
Researchers have developed a method to spray extremely thin wires made from a plant-based material, methylcellulose, onto 3D objects. This innovation could improve the effectiveness of N95 mask filters and be used in energy harvesting devices, with potential applications in organ creation.
Powering AI in sensors with energy harvested from nature
A team of researchers, led by Jingtong Hu from the University of Pittsburgh, aims to apply artificial intelligence to remote sensors deployed in hard-to-reach areas. By leveraging energy-harvesting technology, they plan to save power on sensor devices and increase their lifespan.
KIST develops ambient vibration energy harvester with automatic resonance tuning mechanism
Researchers at KIST developed an energy harvester that can harness electric power from diverse frequencies through an automatic resonance tuning mechanism, significantly expanding the frequency range. This innovation enables a standalone power source for IoT devices and small electronics.
Sturdy fabric-based piezoelectric energy harvester takes us one step closer to wearable electronics
A new wearable piezoelectric harvester using hot pressing and tape casting fabrication process has record high interfacial adhesion strength, enabling durable wearable devices. The study uses a surface and interfacial cutting analysis system to measure adhesion strength.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 16, 2020
Energy harvesting goes organic, gets more flexible
Scientists have developed peptide-based nanotubes that can be used to create efficient energy harvesting systems. By controlling the alignment of the tubes and incorporating graphene oxide, they improved conductivity and increased current output.
NUS researchers create novel device that harnesses shadows to generate electricity
The NUS team created a low-cost, easy-to-fabricate shadow-effect energy generator (SEG) that converts illumination contrast from partial shadows into electricity. The SEG is twice as efficient as commercial silicon solar cells under indoor conditions and can power devices like digital watches.
Penn Engineering's new scavenger technology allows robots to 'eat' metal for energy
Researchers have developed a metal-air scavenger that provides power by breaking chemical bonds in metal surfaces, outperforming batteries and harvesters. The technology has 10 times more power density than the best energy harvesters and 13 times more energy density than lithium-ion batteries.
Scientists tap unused energy source to power smart sensor networks
Researchers have created a device capable of converting low-level magnetic fields into usable electricity, with 400% higher power output than existing technology. This technology has significant implications for designing self-powered wireless sensor networks in smart buildings, potentially leading to substantial energy savings.
The power of light for internet of underwater things
Researchers at KAUST are developing a system that can transmit both light and energy to underwater devices, enhancing sensing and communication in the ocean. This technology has potential applications in climate change research, seismic activity detection, and underwater search and rescue operations.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateMar 19, 2020
Movement of a liquid droplet generates over 5 volts of electricity
A device that generates over 5 volts of electricity directly from the movement of a liquid droplet has been developed by researchers at Nagoya University. The device, made of flexible thin films, uses molybdenum disulfide as an active material to harness energy from liquid motion.
Static electricity as strong as lightning can be saved in a battery
A new technology has been developed to collect and convert static electricity into usable energy, which can be used to power devices such as sensors and calculators. The researchers successfully increased the amount of energy generated by a 'triboelectric nanogenerator' using a nanoimprinting process and poling technique, achieving a c...
Wearable health tech gets efficiency upgrade
Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a flexible device that harvests body heat energy to monitor health and power wearable technologies, surpassing previous flexible harvesters in efficiency. The device uses a novel elastomer material with high thermal conductivity to improve performance.
Harvesting energy from walking human body Lightweight smart materials-based energy harvester develop
A new energy harvester captures biomechanical energy from walking and converts it to electricity, powering wearable electronics without increasing the wearer's burden. The device generates an average power of 1.6 mW, weighing only 307 grams.
Breakthrough enables storage and release of mechanical waves without energy loss
Researchers have successfully stored and released mechanical waves without losing energy, paving the way for improved technology in structural integrity monitoring, energy harvesting, and quantum computing. This breakthrough has significant implications for efficient wave propagation and control.
Ionic thermal up-diffusion boosts energy harvesting
Scientists have discovered that ionic thermal up-diffusion can significantly improve the efficiency of nanofluidic salinity gradient energy harvesting by promoting selectivity and suppressing ion concentration polarization. This innovative approach enables the creation of tunable ionic voltage sources, leading to enhanced power output.
Harvesting energy from the human knee
Researchers developed an energy harvester attached to the wearer's knee that generates 1.6 microwatts of power while walking without increased effort. The device captures biomechanical energy through natural human motion, offering a potential solution for self-powered wearable devices.
Hybrid nanostructure steps up light-harvesting efficiency
Researchers develop a hybrid nanostructure combining biologically derived and inorganic materials to enhance light-harvesting efficiency. The nanohybrid, composed of quantum dots, a protein from cyanobacteria, and semiconducting nanocrystals, shows improved energy transfer and photocurrent production.
IEEE Communications Society honors research by NYU communication theory researchers
Researchers Thomas L. Marzetta and Elza Erkip received the 2019 Fred W. Ellersick Prize and Best Tutorial Paper Award, respectively, for their contributions to Massive MIMO and energy harvesting in wireless communications. Their work aims to elucidate fundamental possibilities rather than practical solutions within today's technology f...
Experimental device generates electricity from the coldness of the universe
A new device has been demonstrated that can generate a measurable amount of electricity by leveraging the temperature difference between Earth and space. The device, which uses an infrared photodiode pointed towards the sky, produced 64 nanowatts per square meter, a tiny but promising amount of power.
Engineering researchers receive NSF grant to study power generation using human sweat
Researchers at Binghamton University are developing a new power source from human sweat, aiming to create self-powered electronic skins. The project uses metabolisms of sweat-eating bacteria to transform chemical energy into electrical power.
Harvesting water energy using slippery surfaces
Scientists have developed a new triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) called SLIPS-TENG, which can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in harsh environments. The device uses a slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface to address durability and biofilm coverage issues.
Trembling aspen leaves could save future Mars rovers
Researchers at the University of Warwick have devised an energy harvesting mechanism inspired by trembling aspen leaves that could power weather sensors in hostile environments. The technology has potential to extend the life of future Mars rovers by providing a backup energy supply.
Smart, self-powered knee implants could reduce number of knee replacement surgeries
Researchers developed smart knee implants with built-in sensors that track pressure and activity levels. These sensors provide doctors with real-time updates, enabling them to adjust treatment plans and prolong the lifespan of the implant.
Putting that free energy around you to good use with minuscule energy harvesters
Scientists developed a new MEMS energy harvester with separate chips, allowing for more flexibility in design. This enables the use of mechanical vibrations to power tiny devices, crucial for future IoT applications.
Eye-tracking glasses provide a new vision for the future of augmented reality
The Dartmouth College research team has developed battery-free eye-tracking glasses that track rapid eye movements for hands-free input, improving gaming and augmented reality experiences. The system achieves super high accuracy with low error and can be powered by energy harvested from indoor lighting.
Army research lights the way for new materials
Researchers have created designer materials that can be used in various photonic applications, outperforming individual metals like gold and silver. The materials exhibit tuned optical properties, enabling lighter load and enhanced power for Soldier devices.
Smart devices could soon tap their owners as a battery source
Researchers at University of Surrey develop innovative Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) that capture energy from human movements, wind, and machine vibration. The study provides a step-by-step guide on constructing efficient energy harvesters, paving the way for a future with free and renewable energy.
Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations
Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.
Surrey creates new tool to speed up the design of wearable tech
The University of Surrey has developed a new methodology for designing smart-wearables that utilizes triboelectric materials. This technology, known as Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), can harvest energy from movement through electrostatic induction.
Transparent solar technology represents 'wave of the future'
Transparent solar cells can provide similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while enhancing building efficiency, and may supply up to 40% of US energy demand