Vibration: Raindrops and More
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Solar panels are great—in sunny environments, that is. But what about places that aren’t always so sunny? That's where vibration energy scavenging, or energy harvesting, comes in.
There are several kinds of energy that can be harvested and then converted into electric energy. One of the most easily harvested is piezoelectric energy—energy generated by motion, such as ocean waves, simple human activity, noise in the atmosphere, or small vibrations, such as those made by raindrops.
Scientists have shown that vibrations from raindrops landing on a certain type of plastic can generate enough energy to operate some low-power wireless sensors, such as battery-powered outdoor thermometers or some handheld devices.
Since solar cells only work on clear, sunny days, it’s essential to find more ways to match sensors to the environments they monitor. Another way of harvesting energy without damaging the environment is through pyroelectricity. Pyroelectricity is from the Greek word for fire, pyr.
Some metals generate a temporary electrical charge when they are heated or cooled, and the ability to convert these changes in temperature into storable electric energy is what pyroelectricity is all about.
For more information on energy harvesting go to:
Wave Power,
www.alternative-energy-news.info
Greentechmedia,
"The Pounding Promise of Piezoelectric":
www.greentechmedia.com
Inhabitat,
"Blood Power? Piesoelectric Nanowires Could Turn Your Body into a Battery":
www.inhabitat.com
