New tech can power small wearable devices via human walking motion

TOKYO: A new technology 'piezoelectric vibration energy harvester' amplifies electrical power generated by human walking motion by about 90 times in a way that could power small wearable devices, a report has showed.

Energy harvesting is a technology that converts energy such as heat and light into electricity that can power small devices.

A research team led by Associate Professor Takeshi Yoshimura from the Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a harvester that is only approximately 2 cm in diameter with a U-shaped metal component called a dynamic magnifier, according to the report.

"Since electronic devices are expected to become more energy-efficient, we hope that this invention will contribute to the realisation of self-charging wearable devices," said Professor Yoshimura.

Vibration energy harvesting is a type of energy harvesting that is highly practical because it can convert kinetic energy from vibration into electricity and is not affected by weather or climate.

When compared to conventional harvesters, the new harvester allows for an increase of about 90 times in power converted from impulsive vibrations generated by human walking motion.

The team has been working on vibration energy harvesters that make use of the piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon in which certain materials produce an electric charge or voltage in response to applied pressure, said the report.

With this technology, non-steady vibrations, including walking motion, can generate electric power to power small wearable devices such as smartphones and wireless earphones, the report added.