A Compact Human-Powered Energy Harvesting System

TitleA Compact Human-Powered Energy Harvesting System
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsRao, Y., K. M. McEachern, and D. P. Arnold
Conference NamePowerMEMS 2013
Date Published12/2013
PublisherIOP Publishing
Conference LocationLondon, UK
KeywordsAC/DC converter, DC/DC converter, energy harvesting, resonant
Abstract

This paper presents a fully functional, self-sufficient body-worn energy harvesting system for passively capturing energy from human motion, with the long-term vision of supplying power to portable, wearable, or even implanted electronic devices. The system requires no external power supplies and can bootstrap from zero-state-of-charge to generate electrical energy from walking, jogging and cycling; convert the induced ac voltage to a dc voltage; and then boost and regulate the dc voltage to charge a Li-ion-polymer battery. Tested under normal human activities (walking, jogging, cycling) when worn on different parts of the body, the 70 cm3 system is shown to charge a 3.7 V rechargeable battery at charge rates ranging from 33 μW to 234 μW.

URLhttp://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/476/1/012011
DOI10.1088/1742-6596/476/1/012011