New ways to scavenge vibrational energy
Readers may recall an LED flashlight novelty item that gets its power from an inductive coil and magnet. Shake the flashlight a few times and you get enough power from the magnet and coil to power the LED for awhile. Now this idea is going mainstream, albeit with a more sophisticated energy harvesting scheme.
MicroGen Systems LLC, of Ithaca and Cornell University's Energy Materials Center say they are going to develop "self-charging" batteries – that use background shaking and stirring for their energy source.The battery will look like a microchip, but with a vibrating core, and it will harness energy from almost anything that shakes.
Robert Andosca, founder and president of MicroGen said: "Overcoming the battery bottleneck is key. Providing a green, virtually infinite power source to replace traditional energy sources will significantly expand applications for wireless sensor networks and other technologies. Our micro-generator technology will enable the wireless sensor network
No timetable was given for when to expect the effort will result in hardware.
More info:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/566627/?sc=dwtr;xy=5017520 industry to grow significantly."