text:
Voltage, spark or current generator
Subclass of:
310 - Electrical generator or motor structure
310311000 - Piezoelectric elements and devices
310328000 - With mechanical energy coupling means
Patent class list (only not empty are listed)
Deeper subclasses:
|NANOGENERATOR - A nanogenerator includes a first frame, a second frame, a first conductor, a second conductor, an array of nano-rods, and an array of electrodes. The second frame engages the first frame. The first conductor is fixed to a first inner surface of the first frame facing the second frame. The second conductor is fixed to a second inner surface of the second frame facing the first frame. The array of nano-rods extends from a first surface of the first conductor toward the second frame. The array of electrodes extends from a second surface of the second conductor toward the first frame. The array of electrodes corresponds to the array of nano-rods. The hardness of the array of electrodes is being greater than that of the array of nano-rods.
|POWER GENERATION UNIT - A power generation unit (
|BENDING TRANSDUCER FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM MECHANICAL DEFORMATIONS - A bending transducer device for generating electrical energy from deformations, and a circuit module which has such a bending transducer. The bending transducer includes at least one electrically deformable, vibration-capable, electrically conductive support structure, one piezoelectric element and a first contacting element, the conductive support structure having a first restraining area and a second restraining area for restraining the support structure, the piezoelectric element being designed and situated on the support structure in such a way that the piezoelectric element is deformable due to the deformation of the support structure caused by vibrations, and a first electrode for picking up the voltage generated by the deformation of the piezoelectric element is formed and contacted by the support structure, the first contacting element being connected electrically conductively to the support structure outside the first restraining area and the second restraining area.
|HUMAN ENERGY HARVESTING AND STORAGE SYSTEM - A human energy harvesting and storage system that captures energy from various human activities and stores that energy on a vehicle to be used for various vehicle applications. In one embodiment, piezoelectric devices, or other types of energy generating devices, are provided in the seat of the vehicle that generate electricity from the weight and movement of a person sitting in the seat that is collected by a suitable electrical storage device. The electrical storage device provides power to a power port in the vehicle so that various devices can be plugged into the power port to be operated. In alternate embodiments, the energy is collected outside of the vehicle by human activity, and the storage device is brought into the vehicle to be plugged into the power port.
|Passive self-tuning resonator system - The invention is a system incorporating a self-tuning resonator and method of self-tuning a resonator within a system. In one embodiment, a method of powering a system with energy harvested from a vibrating surface includes receiving a first mechanical energy at a first driving frequency from the vibrating surface, transferring the received first mechanical energy to a suspended structure within the system, vibrating the suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, passively adjusting the resonant frequency of the suspended structure to a first resonant frequency associated with the first driving frequency by moving a movable mass in response to the movement of the suspended structure, vibrating the adjusted suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, generating electrical energy using the vibrations of the adjusted suspended structure, and powering the system with the generated electrical energy.
|AUTONOMOUS INTRACORPOREAL CAPSULE WITH ENERGY HARVESTING BY PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER - An autonomous intracorporeal capsule comprises a body containing electronic circuits and an energy harvesting module. The energy harvesting module comprises a moveable surface on the body of the capsule, subjected to pressure variations and to produce a mechanical stress under the effect of the pressure variations, and a transducer comprising a deformable piezoelectric component configured as a beam adapted to be forced to bend. The piezoelectric component has a recessed end integral with the capsule and a free end. A mechanical connection couples the free end of the piezoelectric component to the actuator. The mechanical connection may provide a degree of freedom in rotation between a main direction of the beam and the direction of application of the mechanical stress.
|FLEXURE-ENHANCING SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED POWER GENERATION IN A WIND-POWERED PIEZOELECTRIC SYSTEM - Improving wind-based piezoelectric power conversion is provided. For example, a piezoelectric element affixed to a vibratory member is provided. A rigid mounting system is provided for said vibratory member on one end of the vibratory member. At least one obstacle is provided located on the flexing side of the vibratory member. The obstacle induces a vortex in the wind passing the obstacle and arriving at the vibratory member, which enhances wind-induced displacement in the vibratory member.
|LEAD-FREE PIEZOCERAMIC MATERIALS - The present invention relates to lead-free piezoelectric ceramic materials comprising crystalline (and preferably perovskite crystalline) structures of the formula Bi
|AUTONOMOUS PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE FOR GENERATING AN ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE - A piezoelectric device for generating an electrical voltage, comprises a vibrating plate having a portion integral with a fixed support and at least one free end capable of moving under the effect of a mechanical pulse, and at least one piezoelectric element attached to one face of the plate so as to deform under the effect of the oscillations of the plate that result from said mechanical pulse, thus generating an electrical voltage.
|Method and Apparatus For Mechanical Energy Harvesting Using Planar Microfluidic Device - An apparatus comprising a mechanical-to-electrical energy converting device utilizes an array of microfluidic droplets in association with a planar electrode and separated by a dielectric layer to form a capacitive structure. An elastic spacer is also disposed between the planar electrode and array of droplets, such that as the spacer is compressed, the contact area of the droplets and the dielectric is increased—increasing the total capacitance value. Periodic changes in the force applied to the elastic spacer (such as associated with vibrational motion) creates a periodic change in the capacitance value, generating an electrical current flow between the planar electrode and array of conductive droplets.
|PROCESS OF GENERATING POWER FROM HARD DISK VIBRATION IN DATA CENTERS - The present invention relates to an energy harvesting apparatus capable of converting small magnitude low frequency vibrational energy into useful electrical energy that may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies. The energy harvesting apparatus utilizes a piezoelectric device coupled to a pneumatic controller for modulating the vibrational energy received from vibrational energy source into a useful alternating energy waveform. A rectifier is further coupled to the piezoelectric device for converting alternating electrical energy to direct current energy for supporting associated external circuitry.
|ELECTRIC DOOR RELEASE POWERED BY AN ENERGY HARVESTER - A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.
|ACTUATOR COMPRISING AN ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER - The invention relates to an actuator for converting between mechanical and electrical energy comprising -at least two electrodes; and -an electroactive polymer, comprising aromatic moieties in the chain and flexible moieties in the chain, the polymer further comprising side groups bound to the chain, which side groups are selected from the group consisting of polar side groups and side groups comprising an aromatic moiety. The invention further relates to a novel electroactive polymer comprising polar side groups bound to the chain.
|Piezo magnetostrictive device - A piezo magnetostrictive device has a sheet of piezo material with an array of holes formed therein. At least some of the holes are filled with a magnetostrictive material which converts magnetic energy to mechanical energy by exhibiting a change in length or breadth upon being subjected to a change in magnetic energy. The sheet of piezo material generates an electrical potential in response to applied mechanical strain caused by such change in length or width of the magnetostrictive material in the holes.
|APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An apparatus for generating electrical energy may include; a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a nanowire which includes a piezoelectric material and is disposed on the first electrode, an active layer disposed on the first electrode, a conductive layer disposed on the active layer, and an insulating film disposed between the conductive layer and the nanowire, wherein the nanowire and the active layer are electrically connected to each other. A method for manufacturing an apparatus for generating electrical energy may include; disposing a nanowire including a piezoelectric material on a first electrode, disposing an active layer, which is electrically connected to the nanowire, on the first electrode, disposing an insulating film on the nanowire, disposing a conductive layer on the active layer, and disposing a second electrode in proximity to the nanowire and substantially opposite to the first electrode.
|FIELD DEVICE OF A PROCESS AUTOMATION INSTALLATION HAVING A DEVICE FOR LOCALLY OBTAINING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - A field device of a process automation installation is provided. The filed device includes an electrical connection configured to be connected to a superordinate control unit, a fluidic pressure connection configured to supply an operating pressure as an auxiliary energy, and a means for local feeding with electrical energy integrated into the field device. The means for local feeding with electrical energy includes a fluidic operating voltage production unit, which includes a piezo-element arrangement having at least part of the operating pressure is applied thereto to produce the electrical energy for the local feed.
|FORCED VIBRATION PIEZO GENERATOR AND PIEZO ACTUATOR - Piezoelectric elements for power generation and/or actuation are described. An aspect is directed to generators utilizing piezoelectric elements for electrical power generation. Such a generator can use one or more arrays of piezoelectric cantilevers for electrical power generation in conjunction with modulated air pressure used for exciting the cantilevers. The pressure level/modulation and cantilever area can be controlled variables for maximizing the bending, and hence energy generation, of the cantilevers. A further aspect is directed to hydraulic fluid actuators utilizing a pumping mechanism that includes a piezoelectric element. The linear actuators can advantageously utilize the high force and high frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric membrane in conjunction with a large stroke and actuation direction conversion afforded by hydraulic transmission.
|Piezoelectric Composite Beam with Automatically Adjustable Natural Frequency - An energy harvesting system includes a composite structure that has a first spring, a piezoelectric structure, and a proof mass. The piezoelectric structure and the proof mass are mounted on the first spring. The composite structure has a natural frequency of vibration. The natural frequency of vibration of the composite structure is automatically adjustable.
|Piezoelectric Generator - The piezoelectric generator is characterized by providing a spacer member in the vicinity of a fixed end of an elastic plate mounted on a base plate by means of affixing both ends in such a way as to prevent the elastic plate not to be deformed unnecessarily when a load is applied to the elastic plate from above, so that a piezoelectric ceramic plate glued onto the elastic plate generates electric power by the elastic plate's deformation.
|Piezoelectric Power Generation Device - A small-sized piezoelectric power generation device is provided which can generate electric power even with vibrations at low frequencies. The piezoelectric power generation device includes a piezoelectric element formed in a spiral shape and having a center-side end fixed to a first fixing member and an outer-side end fixed to a second fixing member. The piezoelectric element includes a first piezoelectric body formed in a spiral shape and polarized in a radial direction of the piezoelectric element from one side toward the other side. The first and second fixing members are arranged such that the second fixing member is displaceable relative to the first fixing member in a tangential direction x, whereas the second fixing member is restricted from displacing relative to the first fixing member in a perpendicular direction y.
|FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and energy generators that generate electrical energy through direct explosive shock wave depolarization of at least one ferroelectric element. In one embodiment, a generator (
|Piezoelectric Generator - A piezo-generator is specified with a resonance system which includes a piezoelectric transducer. The generator includes a feedback circuit, which is connected to the output of the piezoelectric transducer, that is provided for setting the oscillation frequency of the resonance system.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMER FIBERS - Piezoelectric fibers include a polypeptide wherein molecules of the polypeptide have electric dipole moments that are aligned such that the piezoelectric fiber provides a piezoelectric effect at an operating temperature. A piezoelectric component provides a plurality of piezoelectric fibers, each comprising an organic polymer. A method of producing piezoelectric fibers includes electrospinning a polymer solution to form a fiber and winding the fiber onto a rotating target in which the rotating target is electrically grounded. An acoustic sensor includes a plurality acoustic transducers, wherein the plurality of acoustic transducers are structured and arranged to detect a corresponding plurality of vector components of an acoustic signal, and at least one of the plurality of acoustic transducers comprises a piezoelectric fiber.
|APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS HAVING A WIDE VARIETY OF AMPLITUDES AND FREQUENCIES BY MEANS OF PIEZO SENSORS - An apparatus couples mechanical energy in the form of wide-range mechanical vibrations to a piezo sensor, especially a multi-layer piezo sensor, for converting the mechanical energy into electric energy. The apparatus has a housing onto which the mechanical energy acts in the form of the vibrations, and a vibrating mass provided within the housing. The vibrating mass is clamped with at least two piezo sensor units in the housing. An apparatus thus adapts a piezo sensor energy converter for a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes of mechanical vibrations.
|PIEZOELECTRIC NANODEVICES - A piezoelectric nanodevice may include a first substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of nanorods and a second substrate having formed thereon a multiple number of piezoelectric nanorods. The first substrate associates with the second substrate to generate friction between the nanorods of the first substrate and the piezoelectric nanorods of the second substrate.
|METHOD FOR OBTAINING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM THE KINETIC ENERGY OF WAVES - The invention relates to a method for obtaining electrical energy from the kinetic energy waves. According to said method, a device is provided in the water, comprising an electroactive polymer that can expand with the action of the waves. When the electroactive polymer expands, an electrical charge is applied at a specific time for a specific time interval. Said electrical charge is removed during the relaxation of the polymer, except for a residual charge. According to said method, the variables of the electrical target charge required for the operation of the method, and the time intervals for the beginning and end of the charging and discharging of the electroactive polymer are determined. The invention also relates to a system for obtaining electrical energy and to a computer program product comprising commands that can be implemented by a microprocessor for carrying out the calculations in the method according to the invention.
|PIEZOELECTRIC BASED ENERGY SUPPLY USING INDEPENDENT PIEZOELECTRIC COMPONENTS - A piezoelectric based energy supply includes a multiplicity of mechanical actuators able to be displaced through operation by an operator from a first position and a second position. A multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components is disposed below the multiplicity of actuators. Each independent piezoelectric component within the multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components is associated with at least one respective actuator in the multiplicity of actuators and is adapted to be deformed by displacement of the at least one respective actuator within the plurality of actuators from a first position and a second position. An electrical coupler electrically couples each of the multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components.
|SELF-CONTAINED PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE FOR GENERATING VOLTAGE - A piezoelectric device for generating a voltage, comprising a vibratory blade with a first end secured to a fixed substrate and a second, free end which can be moved by applying a mechanical pulse thereon. At least one separate piezoelectric element is provided on one side of blade in such a way that it is deformed by the oscillation of the blade following the application of said mechanical pulse, and thereby generates a voltage. The device is characterised in that the blade is generally U shaped and has two substantially planar arms joined together via a curved intermediate portion. A first arm is secured to the substrate and a second arm has the free end.
|Piezoelectric Component - A piezoelectric component comprises a parallelepipedal basic body made of piezoelectric material which has an input region and an output region at opposite longitudinal ends of the basic body. Furthermore, the piezoelectric component comprises first and second primary electrodes which are arranged inside the input region and first and second secondary electrodes which are arranged inside the output region. The primary electrodes are at a greater interval from longitudinal lateral faces of the basic body in a subregion which faces the output region than in the subregion which is remote from the output region. Likewise, the secondary electrodes are at a greater interval from the longitudinal lateral faces of the basic body in a subregion which faces the input region than in a subregion which is remote from the input region.
|Magnetostrictive / piezo remote power generation, battery and method - A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
|Power Harvesting Scheme Based on Piezoelectricity and Nonlinear Deflections - An energy harvesting device (FIG.
|FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR WITH VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED SWITCH - A ferroelectric energy generator system comprises an explosive unit, a ferroelectric element, a first and a second output terminal, and a voltage-controlled switch. The explosive unit may include an explosive charge and a detonator which in combination may supply a shock wave. The ferroelectric element may include a third output terminal coupled to the voltage-controlled switch and a fourth output terminal coupled to the second output terminal. Upon receiving the shock wave, the ferroelectric element may be compressed and depolarized and, as a result, may generate a pulse of voltage between the third and the fourth output terminals. When the voltage reaches a breakdown level, the voltage-controlled switch may close and quickly deliver electric current to a load coupled to the ferroelectric energy generator system.
|ASSEMBLY FOR CONVERTING MOTION INTO ELECTRICAL POWER - An assembly for converting motion into electrical power includes a piezoelectric crystal which is deformed in response lateral movements of a rotating mass. A hydraulic force transmission unit can be used to transmit a force or a motion from a rotating mass to the piezoelectric crystal. The hydraulic unit can include a force multiplication system which generates a force that is greater in magnitude than the force applied by the rotating mass.
|Piezoelectric Generators Having an Inductance Circuit For Munitions Fuzing and the Like - A piezoelectric generator for generating power from an acceleration is provided. The piezoelectric generator including: a piezoelectric member capable of producing an output power; means for applying a force to the piezoelectric member due to the acceleration; means for sustaining a strain in the piezoelectric member resulting from the applied force; and an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric member for forming an oscillating circuit.
|ENERGY HARVESTING ELECTRIC DEVICE - Provided is an energy harvesting electric device capable of increasing output power. The energy harvesting electric device includes an energy harvester array including a plurality of energy harvesters, a single rectifier connected to the energy harvester array, and an output unit which is connected to the single rectifier and has a load resistance. The energy harvesters include a plurality of first energy harvesters connected to each other in parallel and a single second energy harvester connected in parallel to the first energy harvesters. The first energy harvesters have a first specific resistance higher than the load resistance and the second energy harvester has a second specific resistance higher than the first specific resistance.
|POWER GENERATION UNIT AND LIGHT EMITTING TOOL - A flexible vibration board (
|Piezoelectric Power Generator - A piezoelectric power generator that performs conversion between kinetic energy and electrical energy. The piezoelectric power generator is equipped with a beam, a piezoelectric element and a flexible body. The piezoelectric element is bonded to a surface on one side of the beam. The flexible body is arranged on a side of the beam that is opposite to that on which the piezoelectric element is provided. A portion of the beam is connected to the flexible body. The beam is configured such that stress is applied to the beam when the flexible body is deformed into a concave shape with respect to the beam, whereas a stress is not applied to the beam when the flexible body is deformed into a convex shape with respect to the beam.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE - The present invention discloses an energy harvesting device that converts small magnitude and low frequency vibrations into electrical energy. The device can include a base, a low frequency element, and a piezoelectric element. The low frequency element can be movably attached to the base and the piezoelectric element can also be attached to the base and be spaced apart from the low frequency element with a vacant space therebetween. Upon vibration of the low frequency element resulting from environmental vibrations, the low frequency element can impact the piezoelectric element and cause elastic deformation thereto.
|Power harvesting scheme based on piezoelectricity and nonlinear deflections - An energy harvesting device and a method of using the energy harvesting device to generate an electrical charge are described. The energy harvesting device comprises a mass and at least two tethers, at least one of which comprises a piezoelectric material that is mechanically stressable upon deflection of the at least two tethers. Each of the tethers comprises a first end coupled to the mass and a second end coupled to a reference structure, and the tethers are arranged about the mass such that the mass is moveable within a straightline path relative to the reference. The movement of the mass causes the deflection of the tethers, resulting in the generation of an electric charge. The device is preferably operable at the microscale.
|APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY USING PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL - An apparatus and method for generating electricity using piezoelectric material. The apparatus comprises a first elongate member and a second elongate member that are joining together at first and second points which are spaced apart from each other. The second elongate member comprises a piezoelectric element, or has a piezoelectric element mounted thereon. When pressure is applied to the first elongate member, the second elongate member is stretched and the stretching force is applied to the piezoelectric element. This generates electricity. A similar arrangement with a third elongate member may be provided on the other side of the second elongate member. The apparatus may be placed in a shoe or underneath a floor, so that the variation in pressure caused by walking may be used in generate electricity.
|APPARATUS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION, IN PARTICULAR A PIEZOELECTRIC MICROPOWER CONVERTER - The embodiments describe an apparatus, in particular a microsystem, including a device for energy conversion, which device has apiezoelectric, mechanically vibrating diaphragm structure for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The diaphragm structure being coupled to a transformer and it being possible to displace said diaphragm structure by moving the transformer, and it being possible to effect the movement of the transformer in a contact-free fashion by interaction of the transformer with a moving part.
|ENERGY HARVESTING FOR IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - An energy harvesting device positionable within a blood vessel for use in generating energy for powering all or a portion of the functions of a diagnostic or therapeutic medical implant. The energy harvesting device includes piezoelectric elements arranged to generate a voltage in response to mechanical blood vessel activity such as bending, expansion or contraction of the blood vessel, or flow of blood through the blood vessel. The electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric elements may be used to recharge a battery, stored in a capacitor, and/or used in real time to generate the energy used for operation of the implant.
|ENERGY TRANSDUCER AND METHOD - The invention is an energy transducer that utilizes a material's internal energy as an energy source by operating in a cycle where there is a net loss in the material's internal energy without the need to raise the temperature of the material above ambient temperature. The invention is accomplished by the use of selected materials in which the material's mechanical strain, magnetization or electric polarization can be controlled by cross coupling forces, and where the cross coupling coefficients are not equal to each other in finite operating regions.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWERED VEHICLES AND MOTORS - One or more piezoelectric elements are employed to generate electrical energy from one or both of the mechanical energy of a moving part of a conventional engine or vehicle or the combustion energy of an internal combustion engine. The generated electrical energy can be stored and used to power an electric motor in order to supplement the power generated by the conventional engine.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - A piezoelectric power generator including a resonator having a first weight member supported on a base member by a spring; a second weight member; and a generating device having a vibrating plate with a piezoelectric element attached to a surface thereof. Further, the vibrating plate has one end secured to the first weight member and the other end being a free end attached to the second weight member. The generating device is capable of bending and vibrating in an up-and-down direction, such that the first weight member can swing at a predetermined frequency about an axis perpendicular to a bending vibration plane of the generating device.
|HIGH-EFFICIENCY COMPACT MINIATURIZED ENERGY HARVESTING AND STORAGE DEVICE - An energy harvesting and storage system includes an array of piezoelectric electrodes, in which the piezoelectric electrodes generate electrical energy from mechanical displacements of the piezoelectric electrodes; and an array of capacitor electrodes disposed in proximity to the piezoelectric electrodes, in which the array of capacitor electrodes stores a portion of the energy generated by the piezoelectric electrodes. An energy system includes a substrate including an array of micro-post electrodes connected to a cathode layer of the substrate; an isolation material covering the array of micro-post electrodes; and an anode layer including electrodes filling the remaining region between the isolation material-covered micro-post electrodes, in which the anode layer, electrodes, isolation material, micro-post electrodes, and substrate are monolithically coupled.
|MULTIPURPOSE PORTABLE POWER GENERATING SYSTEM - Provided is a system for producing electricity, the system having an object configured to move in at least one of, an upward direction, a downward direction, a left direction, a right direction, an eccentric motion, a straight line, or a circular motion; and at least one piezoelectric element attached to the object, wherein, when the object is moving, the object is configured to apply a pressing force to the at least one piezoelectric element to produce the electricity.
|PIEZOELECTRIC THIN FILM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, INK JET HEAD, METHOD OF FORMING IMAGE WITH THE INK JET HEAD, ANGULAR VELOCITY SENSOR, METHOD OF MEASURING ANGULAR VELOCITY WITH THE ANGULAR VELOCITY SENSOR, PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATING ELEMENT, AND METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER WITH THE PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATING ELEMENT - Provided are a piezoelectric thin film including a lead-free ferroelectric material and exhibiting high piezoelectric performance comparable to that of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric thin film. The piezoelectric thin film of the present invention includes: a LaNiO
|Device for energy conversion, in particular a piezoelectric micropower converter - An apparatus, in particular a microsystem, includes a device for energy conversion. The device for energy conversion has a piezoelectric, mechanically vibrating diaphragm structure for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and/or vice versa, the diaphragm structure being arranged encapsulated in an environment which has a predetermined pressure which is, in particular, lower than an isostatic pressure.
|FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and energy generators that generate electrical energy through direct explosive shock wave depolarization of at least one ferroelectric element. In one embodiment, a generator (
|HARVESTING ENERGY FROM VEHICULAR VIBRATIONS USING PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICES - An energy harvesting apparatus, for deployment on a vehicle, comprises a shock absorber, including a dust tube assembly, a jounce bumper assembly mounted within the dust tube assembly at a first end thereof, and a damper tube mounted for telescopic movement through a second end of the dust tube, the jounce bumper assembly configured for impact with the damper tube. A piezoelectric device is coupled to the jounce bumper assembly.
|Apparatus and Method for Downhole Energy Conversion - An apparatus for generating electrical energy in downhole tool is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, such apparatus includes a tubular configured to flow a fluid within the tubular and an energy conversion device at a selected location inside the tubular, wherein the energy conversion device comprises an active material configured to convert received pressure pulses in the fluid into electrical energy.
|SYSTEM FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM DOOR OR DOOR HARDWARE MOVEMENT - An electrical generation system for a doorway including a door includes a lock mechanism movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to allow the door to move between a closed position and an open position and a cam coupled to the door. A piezo-electric generator is coupled to the cam. The cam is rotatable with respect to the piezo-electric generator. The piezo-electric generator is operable to produce an electrical current in response to rotation of the cam with respect to the piezo-electric generator, and the electrical current has a frequency that is greater than the number of revolutions made by the cam with respect to the piezo-electric generator.
|SYSTEM FOR USING THE AIR PRESSURE ACTING ON A VEHICLE IN MOTION TO PRODUCE ENERGY - An energy conversion system is provided configured to be installed on a vehicle (
|Method and apparatus of extracting an immense electric energy from piezoelectric materials in a super-gain energy system - The aim of the present invention is the uses of a modified hydraulic press to generate electric power. The electric power is generated by two arrays of piezoelectric cells placed at the top and bottom of the larger unit. The new modification of the hydraulic press is based on the restoration of the potential energy of the larger unit.
|Energy Harvesting Using Frequency Rectification - An energy harvesting apparatus includes an inverse frequency rectifier structured to receive mechanical energy at a first frequency, and a solid state electromechanical transducer coupled to the inverse frequency rectifier t receive a force provided by the inverse frequency rectifier. The force, when provided by the inverse frequency rectifier, causes the solid state transducer to be subjected to a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency to thereby generate electrical power.
|METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FLEXIBLE PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND FLEXIBLE PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME - Provided are a method of manufacturing a flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting device using a piezoelectric composite, and a flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting device manufactured by the same. The method of manufacturing the flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting device includes: forming a first electrode layer on a first flexible substrate; spin-coating a piezoelectric composite layer on the first electrode layer, wherein the piezoelectric composite layer is produced by mixing piezoelectric powder with polymer; performing heat treatment on the piezoelectric composite layer to harden the piezoelectric composite layer; and bonding a second flexible substrate with a second electrode layer on the hardened piezoelectric composite layer. Therefore, it is possible to simplify a manufacturing process and manufacture a high-performance flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting device having various sizes and patterns.
|POLYMER COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL AND PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A polymer composite piezoelectric material is formed, which includes a matrix of an organic polymer resin, and a piezoelectric material included in the matrix. The piezoelectric material contains a perovskite oxide having a composition represented by general formula (PX) below:
|PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE, PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR HAVING THE SAME, LIQUID DISCHARGE APPARATUS, AND POWER GENERATING APPARATUS - A piezoelectric device which includes a piezoelectric body having piezoelectricity and a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field to the piezoelectric body in a predetermined direction in which a piezoelectric strain constant d
|SELF-POWERED IMPULSE DETECTION SYSTEM - A self-powered impulse detecting system comprising a signal transmitter; an energy storage component; and an energy harvester comprising a top plate configured to receive a stress impulse by an external object on its top surface; a bottom plate positioned opposite to the top plate and leaving room in between the bottom plate and the top plate; an elastic element positioned in between the top plate and the bottom plate; a bendable substrate attached at a first end to the bottom surface of the top plate, the bendable substrate is configured to bend freely, colliding with the top plate and a stopper; a piezoelectric element positioned on the bendable substrate; a deadweight attached to a second end of the bendable substrate; wherein collisions between the bendable substrate, the top plate and the stopper cause the bendable substrate to bend along with the piezoelectric element to generate power.
|Generators For Very-High-G Energy Harvesting - A method for harvesting energy from a high-G acceleration of a munition. The method including: proving a vibrating mass-spring unit in a housing of an energy harvesting device; and reducing an effective acceleration on the mass-spring unit by one or more of: offsetting the vibration of the mass-spring unit with respect to a direction of the high-G acceleration; biasing a mass of the mass-spring unit in a direction having at least a component in the direction of the high-G acceleration; limiting a vibration deflection of at least a portion of the mass-spring unit in the direction of the high-G acceleration; or limiting an amount of vibration of the mass-spring unit in a direction offset from the direction of the high-G acceleration and removing such limit after the acceleration.
|Apparatus and Method for Charging a Mobile Device - An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus may be a mobile device. The mobile device receives a first mechanical force applied to at least one region on the mobile device, performs a function unrelated to energy conversion in response to the first mechanical force, receives a second mechanical force applied to the at least one region on the mobile device, converts the second mechanical force into electrical energy using at least one piezoelectric element, and powers at least one component of the mobile device using the electrical energy.
|VIBRATION POWER GENERATOR, VIBRATION MONITORING DEVICE, AND VIBRATION MONITORING SYSTEM - A vibration power generator includes a vibration system attached to a vibrating member. The vibration system includes a first vibration subsystem, and a second vibration subsystem attached to the first vibration subsystem. The first vibration subsystem includes an elastic member attached to the vibrating member, and a first mass member attached to the elastic member. The second vibration subsystem includes a plate spring integral with a piezoelectric element, and a second mass member attached to the plate spring. The first vibration subsystem has a resonant frequency that is substantially equal to a resonant frequency of the second vibration subsystem.
|SPRING DISC ENERGY HARVESTER APPARATUS AND METHOD - An energy harvesting apparatus and method that is especially well suited for harvesting low frequency broadband vibration energy from a vibrating structure is presented. The apparatus includes a pair of disc springs that are arranged in an opposing relationship. A threaded fastening member and a threaded nut extend through apertures in each of the disc springs and enable a predetermined preload force to be applied to the disc springs. The preload effectively "softens" the disc springs, thus heightening the sensitivity of the disc springs to low frequency, low amplitude vibration energy. A piezoelectric material ring is secured to each of the disc springs. Each piezoelectric material ring experiences changes in strain as its associated disc spring deflects in response to vibration energy experienced from a vibrating structure. The electrical output from each piezoelectric material ring can be used to power or activate various forms of electronic sensors and devices, or it can be conditioned and stored in a circuit for later use.
|ELECTRIC POWER DEVICE, ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION METHOD, AND PRODUCTION METHOD OF ELECTRIC POWER DEVICE - There is provided a new self-generating electric power device using a piezoelectric element. An electric power device includes: a resonant portion that is secured at least at one end, receives waves propagating through a space or a medium and resonates; a piezoelectric element that is formed to connect to the resonant portion, and generates a voltage according to resonance of the resonant portion; and a first electrode and a second electrode that are formed on opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric element, and output the generated voltage.
|PYROELECTRIC POWER FROM TURBULENT AIRFLOW - A power-generating device is disclosed that includes a pyroelectric material having first and second surfaces on opposite sides of the pyroelectric material. The device also includes a first conductive electrode coupled to a first support element that is configured to intermittently bring the first electrode into proximity with the first surface and a second conductive electrode proximate to the second surface at least while the first electrode is proximate to the first surface. The device also includes a power module that is electrically coupled between the first and second electrodes. The power module is configured to capture power from an electrical current flowing between the first and second electrodes.
|THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator including, between first and second walls delimiting a tightly closed space, a layer of a piezoelectric material connected to output terminals; a plurality of openings crossing the piezoelectric layer and emerging into first and second cavities close to the first and second walls; and in the tight space, drops of a liquid, the first wall being capable of being in contact with a hot source having a temperature greater than the evaporation temperature of the liquid and the second wall being capable of being in contact with a cold source having a temperature smaller than the evaporation temperature of the liquid.
|HOLSTER-INTEGRATED PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY SOURCE FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A holster for a handheld electronic device. The holster has integrated therein one or more piezoelectric elements that provide an output voltage to the handheld electronic device upon insertion of device in the holster. The output voltage can be used to charge the battery of the device, to power, at least in part, the device, or both. The output voltage is generated by harvesting vibration energy at the piezoelectric elements upon the holster being subjected to acceleration caused by a user carrying the holster when walking, running, or during any other suitable activity.
|FLEXURE-ENHANCING SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED POWER GENERATION IN A WIND-POWERED PIEZOELECTRIC SYSTEM - Improving wind-based piezoelectric power conversion is provided. For example, a piezoelectric element affixed to a vibratory member is provided. A rigid mounting system coupled with a rotatable base is provided for said vibratory member on one end of the vibratory member. A solar generator is coupled with the rigid mounting system and at least one obstacle is provided located on the flexing side of the vibratory member. The obstacle induces a vortex in the wind passing the obstacle and arriving at the vibratory member, which enhances wind-induced displacement in the vibratory member.
|HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCHES HAVING ONE OR MORE FLOATING CONDUCTOR LAYERS - This patent document discloses high voltage switches that include one or more electrically floating conductor layers that are isolated from one another in the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes. The presence of the one or more electrically floating conductor layers between the top and bottom switch electrodes allow the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes to exhibit a higher breakdown voltage than the breakdown voltage when the one or more electrically floating conductor layers are not present between the top and bottom switch electrodes. This increased breakdown voltage in the presence of one or more electrically floating conductor layers in a dielectric medium enables the switch to supply a higher voltage for various high voltage circuits and electric systems.
|ENERGY HARVESTER DEVICE FOR IN-EAR DEVICES USING EAR CANAL DYNAMIC MOTION - An energy harvester device located into an in-ear device and harvesting energy from dynamic motion of the wall of the outer ear canal receiving the in-ear device therein, with an external sheath of the in-ear device generally assuming the contour of the ear canal wall. The energy harvester device has an energy harvesting module mounting on an inner portion of the in-ear device adjacent the external sheath, and is at least partially elastically deformable under a displacement of the ear canal wall to generate energy corresponding to the displacement of the wall. An energy storage module mounts onto the in-ear device and connects to the energy harvesting module to receive energy there from and supplying the stored energy to an electronic device of the in-ear device. The in-ear device having the energy harvester device therein is also part of the present invention.
|Energy Harvesting Devices Using Carbon Nanotube (CNT)-Based Electrodes - Energy harvesting elements or membranes are provided that use a layer of electrodes with a mixture of carbon nanotubes (CNT). The energy harvesting device of this type can be used as in sensor-based system in which on application of a bending load, the energy harvesting device produces a voltage across the electrodes. The energy harvesting device may include an electrode coating including carbon nanotubes (CNT) substantially homogenously dispersed in epoxy resin system to form a CNT-epoxy electrode coating. The CNT-epoxy electrode can be realized by dispersing about 5% CNT (by weight) in an epoxy-resin system, followed by mixing the system to achieve a near-homogenous dispersion resulting in a CNT-epoxy mixture. The CNT-epoxy mixture can then be uniformly coated on surfaces of a polymer to form electrodes.
|APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed is an apparatus for generating electrical energy that includes; a first electrode, and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and an energy generation layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the energy generation layer comprises a photoelectric conversion layer and a plurality of piezoelectric nanowires, and wherein when an external force is applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, the plurality of piezoelectric nanowires are transformed to generate electrical energy.
|ENERGY TRANSDUCER AND METHOD - The invention is an energy transducer that utilizes a material's internal energy as an energy source by operating in a cycle where there is a net loss in the material's internal energy without the need to raise the temperature of the material above ambient temperature. The invention is accomplished by the use of selected materials in which the material's mechanical strain, magnetization or electric polarization can be controlled by cross coupling forces, and where the cross coupling coefficients are not equal to each other in finite operating regions.
|Manual control device with power generation function and remote control device with power generation function - A manual control device with a power generation function includes a manual input unit of a touch sensor type, a control unit that detects a direction input in the manual input unit and performs a control operation according to the direction, a power generation unit that is formed of piezoelectric material for power generation and arranged to a bottom side of the manual input unit, a charge unit that charges electric power from the power generation unit, and a power supply unit that supplies the electric power from the charge unit to the control unit. The operation start control unit supplies an operation instruction to the power supply unit after predetermined delay time since the electric power supply from the power generation unit to the charge unit is detected.
|APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An apparatus for generating electrical energy including a first electrode, a second electrode and one or more nanowires, and a method for manufacturing the apparatus for generating electrical energy. The second electrode may have a concave portion and a convex portion. The first electrode and the nanowire are formed of different materials. The nanowire is formed on the first electrode and is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. Because the nanowire is formed on the first electrode, the nanowire may be grown vertically and the uniformity and conductivity of the nanowires may be improved. When a stress is applied to the first electrode or the second electrode, the nanowire is deformed and an electric current is generated from the nanowire due to a piezoelectric effect of the nanowire and a Schottky contact between the nanowire and the electrode which makes contact with the nanowire. Accordingly, when the apparatus for generating electrical energy is bent or pressed in part, electrical energy is generated in response to the applied stress.
|PIEZOELECTRIC RESONANT POWER GENERATOR - A method for generating power in a wellbore includes moving an actuator; inducing an oscillating stress on a piezoelectric component with the actuator; and generating a voltage with the piezoelectric component in response to the induced stress on the piezoelectric component.
|PASSIVE ALTERNATING CURRENT SENSOR - A passive alternating current sensor for sensing a current-carrying conductor is disclosed. The passive alternating current sensor includes a substrate, a magnetic body, at least one coil and a first measuring circuit. The substrate has a flexible structure layer. The magnetic body is disposed correspondingly to the current-carrying conductor and located at one side of the substrate. The coil is disposed on the substrate and correspondingly winds around the magnetic body. The first measuring circuit is connected with the coil. When the magnetic body is subjected to the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying conductor and enabled a relative motion with the coil, the coil produces an induced electromotive force. The first measuring circuit measures the induced electromotive force and accordingly outputs a first induction signal.
|NANO PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME - Provided are a nano piezoelectric device and a method of forming the nano piezoelectric device. The nano piezoelectric device includes a lower electrode, a nanowire extending upward from the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the nanowire. The nanowire includes a conductive wire core and a wire shell surrounding the wire core and including a piezoelectric material.
|ENERGY HARVESTING FROM AIRPORT RUNWAY - The present invention relates to an apparatus system and method for power harvesting on roads and highways using a piezoelectric generator. The invention is to provide a system and a method for power harvesting comprising a plurality of piezoelectric devices embedded in a road and configured to produce electrical power when a vehicle traverses their locations. The system includes a power conditioning unit and electrical conductors connecting said piezoelectric to said power conditioning unit. Harvested energy may be used locally in proximity to the energy generation location, stored for later use or transferred to be used in remote location
|Piezoelectric Generating With Location Signaling - An apparatus including a piezoelectric convertor layer; at least one piezoresistive layer on the piezoelectric convertor layer; and electrical conductor outputs. The at least one piezoresistive layer includes a plurality of spaced apart piezoresistive electrodes. The apparatus is configured such that when the piezoelectric convertor layer is deformed to generate a charge, at least one of the piezoresistive electrodes is stressed, where the at least one piezoresistive layer is configured to control flow of charge from the piezoelectric convertor layer. The electrical conductor outputs are electrically connected to the piezoresistive electrodes. The outputs are configured to allow the charge from the piezoelectric convertor layer to flow out of the piezoresistive electrodes. The electrical conductor outputs are configured relative to the piezoresistive electrodes to allow identification of the at least one piezoresistive electrode which has been stressed based upon the charge on at least one of the electrical conductor outputs.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING MECHANISM - Oscillators (
|VIBRATION POWER GENERATION ELEMENT AND VIBRATION POWER GENERATION DEVICE INCLUDING SAME - A vibration power generation element includes a base substrate having a support portion and a cantilever portion, and a power generation unit for generating alternating current power in response to vibration of the cantilever portion. The power generation unit includes: a lower electrode formed on one surface side of the base substrate so as to overlap the cantilever portion; a first piezoelectric layer formed on an opposite side of the lower electrode from the cantilever portion; an intermediate electrode formed on an opposite side of the first piezoelectric layer from the lower electrode; a second piezoelectric layer formed on an opposite side of the intermediate electrode from the first piezoelectric layer; and an upper electrode formed on an opposite side of the second piezoelectric layer from the intermediate electrode.
|SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AND A METHOD FOR POWER GENERATION WITH THE SAID SYSTEM - The invention relates to the method and device for transforming mechanical stress power into electric power and may be used to create an additional power supply source for the power supply system of a submarine vessel. Proposed system for electric power generation comprises a basis, piezoelectric transformers mounted on the said basis and means for mechanical load application on the transformers, where the piezoelectric transformers are provided on the structural elements of the submarine vessel, which elements are not rigidly connected to the hull of the submarine vessel and have an operative position, where the interaction with the hull of submarine vessel is possible, so that seawater pressure is propagated to the piezoelectric transformers through the hull of submarine vessel in case of the change in submersion depth of the said vessel.
|PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERSION ASSEMBLIES - The present invention relates to piezoelectrie energy conversion assemblies. The assembly includes a piezoelectric nanowire (such as a ZnO nanowire), an electrically conductive nanofilament (such as a carbon nanotube), a first electrically conductive element (such as a first metallic trace), and a second electrically conductive element (such as a second metallic trace). The first electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric nanowire, and the second electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the electrically conductive nanofilament. The piezoelectric nanowire and electrically conductive nanofilament are operable to contact one another such that a charge can flow from the first electrically conductive element, through the piezoelectric nanowire and the electrically conductive nanofilament, to the second electrically conductive element. Generally, the piezoelectric nanowire and/or electrically conductive nanofilament are cantilevered to allow them to contact one another. Assemblies can be arranged in series or in parallel.
|Piezoelectric Power Generator - A piezoelectric power generator that includes a support body, a piezoelectric element, and a bias compressive stress applying member. The piezoelectric element is placed on the support body. The piezoelectric element has a piezoelectric plate that is polarized in the thickness direction, and first and second electrodes that are each provided on a surface of the piezoelectric plate. The bias compressive stress applying member is supported on the side above the piezoelectric element by the support body. The bias compressive stress applying member applies to the piezoelectric element a bias compressive stress acting in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric plate, so that the magnitude of a compressive stress in the piezoelectric plate changes with a change in externally applied stress.
|PRESSURE POWER RECOVERY DEVICE - A power recovery device, including an electroactive polymer membrane; an actuator capable of moving along a first direction non-parallel to the mid-plane of the membrane; a member for converting the motion of the actuator into a stretching of the membrane along at least one second direction of the mid-plane of the membrane; and means for biasing the membrane including an electret.
|WHEEL WITH PIEZOELECTRIC RING AND VEHICLE HAVING SAME - A wheel includes a rim and a tire. The rim includes a ring body defining a central axis, two flanges, and two piezoelectric rings. The flanges extend from the circumference of the ring body around the central axis. A first annular groove is defined in the circumference of each flange around the central axis. The piezoelectric rings are mounted in the respective first annular grooves and configured for producing electric power under pressure. The tire encloses the rim.
|System and Method for Electric Power Generation Using Structured Piezoelectric Arrays - A piezoelectric power generation system includes a housing, the housing defining an opening therethrough. The piezoelectric power generation system further includes a support structure disposed within the housing, and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed on a surface of the support structure within the housing. Movement or vibration in the support structure is translated to the one or more piezoelectric elements, which actuates the one or more piezoelectric elements. The one or more piezoelectric elements generate power when actuated. The piezoelectric power generation system further includes one or more exciters coupled to the support structure. The exciters move or vibrate when acted on by a flow of fluid, wherein the motion of vibration of the one or more exciters is translated to the support structure and ultimately to the one or more piezoelectric elements.
|MAGNETIC IMPULSE ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND METHOD - An example embodiment of an energy harvesting device (
|APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING ENERGY - Exemplary embodiments relate to an energy converting apparatus and a method for converting energy, which may convert energy of an applied signal into electrical energy. The energy converting apparatus may include at least one nanowire which resonates in response to the applied signal. The resonating nanowire may contact an electrode allowing a current to flow through the electrode and the nanowire by a Schottky contact between the electrode and the nanowire. The method for converting energy may include applying a signal to at least one nanowire to resonate the nanowire, and generating electrical energy through the contact between the resonating nanowire and an electrode.
|CIRCUIT AND METHOD TO IMPROVE ENERGY HARVESTING EFFICIENCY IN PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTERS - An energy harvester circuit is provided. The energy harvester circuit includes a harvesting module for extracting energy from an ambient source. A bias flip module manages the manner in which voltage across the harvesting module transitions when input current from the harvesting module changes direction so as to allow a majority of the charge available from the harvesting module to be extracted. A voltage transitioning module is shared amongst one or more DC-DC converters for efficient energy management.
|PIEZOELECTRIC BASED ENERGY SUPPLY USING INDEPENDENT PIEZOELECTRIC COMPONENTS - A piezoelectric based energy supply includes a multiplicity of mechanical actuators able to be displaced through operation by an operator from a first position and a second position. A multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components is disposed below the multiplicity of actuators. Each independent piezoelectric component within the multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components is associated with at least one respective actuator in the multiplicity of actuators and is adapted to be deformed by displacement of the at least one respective actuator within the plurality of actuators from a first position and a second position. An electrical coupler electrically couples each of the multiplicity of independent piezoelectric components.
|AUTONOMOUS POWER GENERATION UNIT FOR AUXILIARY SYSTEM ON AN AIRBORNE PLATFORM - A power generation device that provides power to an auxiliary system on an airborne platform, includes a piezoelectric energy harvesting device and an energy storage unit, including a battery and a power conditioner. The device extracts energy generated by turbulent airflow around the platform and stores the energy to meet future power requirements. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device is located on a portion of an inner surface of an outward shell of the platform. The stand-alone power generation device is electrically connected to the auxiliary system. The stand-alone power generation device also includes a router that connects the power generation unit to the platform electrical distribution system. Excess power generated by the device may be delivered to the platform electrical distribution system for use by other platform systems.
|Systems And Methods For Harvesting Piezoelectric Energy From Hydraulic Pressure Fluctuations - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for harvesting energy from the pressure ripple of a fluid system. In an example embodiment, a system comprises a housing; a piezoelectric stack in fluid communication with a pressure ripple of a fluid system and configured to generate a piezoelectric voltage and an associated piezoelectric current in response to pressure ripple characteristics, wherein the piezoelectric stack is disposed within the housing; and regulatory circuitry in electrical communication with the piezoelectric stack and configured to convert the piezoelectric current into DC voltage.
|System and Method for Electric Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Modules - A piezoelectric power generation system includes a housing and one or more piezoelectric modules disposed within the housing. Each of the one or more piezoelectric modules include a support structure, one or more piezoelectric components, and one or more exciters. The one or more piezoelectric components are disposed on or within the support structure, wherein at least a portion of vibrational motion in the support structure is transferred to the one or more piezoelectric components. The one or more exciters are coupled to the support structure and extend outside of the housing. When the exciters are actuated, they transfer vibrational motion to the one or more piezoelectric components through the support structure.
|System and Method for Electric Power Generation Using Structured Stacked Piezoelectric Arrays - A piezoelectric power generation system includes a housing defining an opening therethrough and a support structure disposed within the housing, the support structure comprising a plurality of portions. The piezoelectric power generation system also includes one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between two of the plurality of portions of the support structure within the housing. Movement or vibration in the support structure compresses the one or more piezoelectric elements, wherein the one or more piezoelectric elements generate electric energy when compressed. The piezoelectric power generation system further includes one or more exciters coupled to the support structure, wherein the exciters move or vibrate when acted on by a flow of fluid, wherein the motion of vibration of the one or more exciters is translated to the support structure and ultimately to the one or more piezoelectric elements.
|MATRIX-ASSISTED ENERGY CONVERSION IN NANOSTRUCTURED PIEZOELECTRIC ARRAYS - A nanoconverter is capable of directly generating electricity through a nanostructure embedded in a polymer layer experiencing differential thermal expansion in a stress transfer zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or substantially vertically aligned on a substrate. The resulting nanoforest is then embedded with the polymer layer, which transfers stress to the nanostructures in the stress transfer zone, thereby creating a nanostructure voltage output due to the piezoelectric effect acting on the nanostructure. Electrodes attached at both ends of the nanostructures generate output power at densities of ˜20 nW/cm
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING APPARATUS - A piezoelectric power generating apparatus comprises a frame body having an axis line, a moving member and a plurality of piezoelectric portions. The moving member is penetrated into the frame body. Each of the piezoelectric portions comprises a first end and a second end. Each of the first ends is fixed at the frame body and each of the second ends is fixed at the moving member. The moving member is moved back and forth along the axis line of the frame body.
|PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE SYSTEM PRODUCING BOTH VIBRATION AND ELECTRIC POWER - A piezoelectric device system has a first piezoelectric element, a proof mass, a second piezoelectric element, and a microstructure output portion. The first piezoelectric element is oscillated by a power source. The proof mass is disposed between the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element, and transmits the vibration from the first piezoelectric element to the second piezoelectric element so as to make the second piezoelectric element move and generate power. The microstructure output portion is disposed on the other side of the second piezoelectric element opposite to the proof mass for transmitting the power generated by the second piezoelectric element.
|PIEZOELECTRIC MICROMECHANICAL ENERGY HARVESTERS - The present invention comprises systems, apparatuses, and methods for harvesting ambient mechanical energy at a lower frequency and transforming the harvested energy into electrical energy at a higher frequency. Transforming the energy from relatively lower input frequency energy to relatively higher output frequency energy can help realize greater efficiencies found at higher frequencies. Because the input plane of the ambient mechanical energy is not always predictable, some embodiments of the present invention comprise both in-plane and out-of-plane energy harvesters that produce an electrical output in multiple planes.
|BISTABLE PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR - The invention concerns a bistable piezoelectric generator comprising at least one element in piezoelectric material, with at least one end fixed at a base and having the other end with a mass capable of making oscillations between two distinct positions, respectively a first equilibrium position and a second position opposed to the first, said at least one element being subjected to nonlinear bistable oscillations, the kinetic energy of such bistable oscillations being converted into electric energy and transformed through an electronic circuit in a suitable form for the powering of electric and/or electronic devices.
|Piezoelectric Composite Material - A composition of matter having multiple layers of different conductors separated by thin layers of dielectric materials has a high piezoelectric coefficient when the conductors are metals having a significant difference in work function and the dielectric materials have a low elastic modulus when the metal layers are connected to form a capacitive circuit. Alternatively, when the conductors are semi-conductors they should have a significant difference in Fermi levels.
|PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM - A mechanical energy harvester, such as for an electronic system such as a sensor system. The energy harvester has a spring with one end connected to a support structure, and a piezoelectric material on the spring. An electronics package is supported on the spring, the electronics package comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of rectifier(s), storage component(s), and integrated circuit(s).
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR USING WIND POWER - A piezoelectric power generator using wind power is provided. To elaborate, the piezoelectric power generator has a central axis unit with a charger, a piezoelectric film supporting frame engaged onto an outer circumference surface of the central axis unit, and a piezoelectric film having a pre-set area and at least one side engaged to at least one of one side part of the piezoelectric supporting frame and the central axis unit. In addition, the piezoelectric film supporting frame has a shape corresponding to a shape of an edge of the piezoelectric film to surround the edge of the piezoelectric film.
|WAVE POWER GENERATOR - A wave power generator comprises a transmitting module and a piezoelectric generator, the transmitting module comprises a raft, a transmission member and a coupling member, the raft has a surface, and the transmission member is disposed at the first surface. The piezoelectric generator has a case and at least one piezoelectric module. The transmitting member has a vibrating portion. The coupling member comprises a rotating wheel and a crank rod, the rotating wheel is driven by the vibrating portion, and the crank rod is driven by the rotating wheel. The case comprises a second surface and at least one accommodating slot recessed into the second surface. The piezoelectric module is disposed into the accommodating slot and comprises at least one frame body, a moving member and a plurality of piezoelectric portions. The moving member is penetrated into the frame body and moved back and forth in the frame body.
|GENERATING DEVICE USING PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER - Provided is a power generating apparatus using piezoelectric elements, which can increase an amount of electricity generated in the piezoelectric elements and can extend the life of the piezoelectric elements. The power generating apparatus includes: a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a main body in which the piezoelectric elements are received and fixed, with spaced apart from one another, so as to protect the piezoelectric elements; a piezoelectric element support reciprocatingly installed in the main body to support the piezoelectric elements such that the piezoelectric elements are deformed by a reciprocating motion of the piezoelectric element support; a driving unit provided in the main body to operate the piezoelectric element support; and a power transmission unit connecting the driving unit to the piezoelectric element support, such that the piezoelectric element support is reciprocated by a driving force of the driving unit.
|APPARATUS FOR IN VIVO ENERGY HARVESTING - An energy harvesting mechanism creates electrical energy from in vivo physiological motion, transforming low frequency, physiological excitation into high frequencies for producing electricity and harvesting energy using an energy collector is deformed from variation of physiologic forces or motion with an input displacement, then captured, and then released to allow the energy collector to move with an output displacement being either faster or has a higher frequency, or both, when compared to the input displacement.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING DEVICE - A piezoelectric power generating device includes a power generating element and a package member. The power generating element includes a plate-like piezoelectric element and a metal plate. The piezoelectric element has a pair of principal surfaces opposite each other. The metal plate is bonded to one of the principal surfaces of the piezoelectric element. The package member has a supporting part and a restricting part. The supporting part supports an end of the power generating element in a cantilevered manner. The restricting part is disposed opposite the piezoelectric element with the metal plate interposed therebetween. The restricting part restricts displacement of the power generating element toward the outside of the metal plate.
|Piezoelectric Power Generator - A piezoelectric power generator that includes a first elastic body, which deforms along a first direction x upon receiving a stress, and a piezoelectric power-generating element. A second elastic body is arranged on a y1 side of the first elastic body and a piezoelectric element is fixed to a y1-side surface of the second elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is concave toward the y1 side, the second elastic body receives a stress from the first elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is convex toward the y1 side, the second elastic body does not receive a stress from the first elastic body. The piezoelectric power generator further includes a vibration suppressing member that is arranged between the first elastic body and the second elastic body and suppresses bending mode vibration of the second elastic body.
|METHOD FOR FABRICATING PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING DEVICE - The invention relates to a method for fabricating piezoelectric composite material comprising steps of mixing a piezoelectric ceramic powder, an adhesive, a cross-linking agent, a lubricant and a plasticizer to form a slurry; extruding the slurry to form a piezoelectric ceramic green fiber; sintering the piezoelectric ceramic green fiber to form the piezoelectric ceramic fiber; arranging the piezoelectric ceramic fiber in a mold according to a predetermined volumetric content; and adding a polymer into the mode to form a polymer matrix of piezoelectric composite material. A piezoelectric power generating device including a piezoelectric power generating element made of the piezoelectric composite material is also provided.
|SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING SOLAR ENERGY FOR CONVERSION TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY WITH PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATORS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using a solar collector and one or more piezoelectric generators. The present invention includes new designs for solar collectors that concentrate solar energy, and mechanisms for transporting and transferring the concentrated solar energy directly into the working fluid (e.g., a liquid, a gas, or a phase change substance) of the one or more piezoelectric generators without heating the outside surface of the engines. The system includes one or more solar collectors and a delivery system to deliver concentrated energy from the collectors directly into working fluid of one or more piezoelectric generators. Advantageously, the delivery system avoids heating an outside surface of the one or more piezoelectric generators as is done in conventional designs. Additionally, the delivery system can be configured to distribute collected energy to the one or more piezoelectric generators with offset heating cycles.
|Pavement Interlayer - A pavement interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, includes: at least one layer of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line, coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output.
|NANOPIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A nanopiezoelectric generator is provided. The nanopiezoelectric generator includes a first electrode; a second electrode; at least one nanostructure that is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and includes a piezoelectric material and first carriers; and a concentration adjusting unit that adjusts a concentration of the first carriers in the at least one nanostructure.
|TIDAL POWER GENERATOR - The present invention relates to a power generation technology using tidal power or wave power, especially relates to a power generation technology using a piezoelectric element. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power generation device for generating electric power in water or on a ship effectively with the use of tidal power or wave force. The present invention has such a structure that power generation modules (
|FLEXIBLE NANOCOMPOSITE GENERATOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - There are provided a flexible nanocomposite generator and a method of manufacturing the same. A flexible nanocomposite generator according to the present invention includes a piezoelectric layer formed of a flexible matrix containing piezoelectric nanoparticles and carbon nanostructures; and electrode layers disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the piezoelectric layer, in which according to a method for manufacturing a flexible nanocomposite generator according to the present invention and a flexible nanogenerator, it is possible to manufacture a flexible nanogenerator with a large area and a small thickness. Therefore, the nanogenerator may be used as a portion of a fiber or cloth. Accordingly, the nanogenerator according to the present invention generates power in accordance with bending of attached cloth, such that it is possible to continuously generate power in accordance with movement of a human body.
|PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERTER HAVING A DOUBLE MEMBRANE - A first dynamically deflectable membrane structure has two electrode layers and one piezoelectric layer for converting mechanical capacity into electrical capacity, and vice versa. The first membrane structure is mechanically coupled to extra weight. Mechanical and electrical capacities are provided which reduce a non-linear portion of a resetting force of the membrane structure. A second membrane structure is mechanically counter-coupled to the first membrane structure such that both membrane structures are mechanically biased in opposite directions by the extra weight. In this manner, a linearization of the resetting forces occurs as a function of the membrane deflection. The piezoelectric energy converter can generate an electrical capacity of, for example, 0.4 watts to 10 watts.
|AUTONOMOUS POWER GENERATION UNIT FOR AUXILIARY SYSTEM ON AN AIRBORNE PLATFORM - A stand-alone power generation device that provides power to an auxiliary system on an airborne platform, includes a piezoelectric energy harvesting device and an energy storage unit, including a battery and a power conditioner. The device extracts energy generated by turbulent airflow around the platform and stores the energy to meet future power requirements. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device is located on a portion of an inner surface of an outward shell of the platform. The stand-alone power generation device is electrically connected to the auxiliary system. The stand-alone power generation device also includes a router that connects the power generation unit to the platform electrical distribution system. Excess power generated by the device may be delivered to the platform electrical distribution system for use by other platform systems.
|Piezoelectric Generator - A piezoelectric generator with a piezoelectric element and a mechanical transducer is specified and includes an oscillation device and an activator for transmitting a mechanical force to this device. The oscillation device is provided for generating a compressive stress on piezoelectric element.
|DEVICE FOR MAXIMUM DETECTION OF VIBRATING ENERGY FOR HARVESTING ENERGY - An energy harvesting device (
|PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR UNIT USING PIEZOELECTRIC BIMORPH - Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric generator unit using a piezoelectric bimorph. The piezoelectric generator unit includes a cylindrical housing, a fly wheel rotated within the housing by external power and provided with plural protrusions arranged at a regular interval in the circumferential direction, a fluid ejection device transmitting power to the fly wheel by ejecting a fluid or air onto impellers of the fly wheel to rotate the fly wheel, plural piezoelectric members installed radially and contacting the plural protrusions to generate electricity due to impact, and a central shaft connected to the plural piezoelectric members via connection members. The piezoelectric generator unit effectively converts a linear motion into a rotary motion simply using slight impact or vibration so as to effectively generate electrical energy, generates high output at low input so as to improve power generation efficiency, and is applicable to various fields using a moving load.
|PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The inventive concept discloses a piezoelectric energy harvesting array and a method of manufacturing the same. The manufacturing method may include forming a plurality of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices; connecting masses to one side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices and connecting the other side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices facing the masses to a base; and individually tuning a resonant frequency of each of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices to prevent mismatch of resonant frequency when the masses vibrate.
|Electromechanical Rotation Converter and a Method for Generating Electrical Energy using an Electromechanical Rotation Converter - An electromechanical rotation converter having at least one fastening element, an oscillating element, a connecting element and an electromechanical conversion device. The fastening element is designed to fasten the rotation converter to a rotating body. The connecting element forms a movable connection between the fastening element and the oscillating element, and the movement of the oscillating element drives the electromechanical converter. The connection between the fastening element and the oscillating element is such that the center of mass of the oscillating element follows a curved path in such a way that the path describes the perimeter of a surface, the normal to the surface being at an angle to the axis of rotation that is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.
|Magnetostrictive / piezo remote power generation, battery and method - A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
|FLUID POWER GENERATION SYSTEM HAVING A GENERATOR WITH AN ELECTRICAL-CHARGE-PRODUCING MATERIAL - An embodiment of a fluid power generation system has a generator comprising an electrical-charge-producing material and a pair of end boundary constraints. One of the end boundary constraints of the pair of end boundary constraints is physically coupled to the electrical-charge-producing material adjacent to an end of the electrical-charge-producing material and the other one of the pair of end boundary constraints is physically coupled to the electrical charge-producing material adjacent to an opposite end of the electrical-charge-producing material. For some embodiments, the end boundary constraints may be active or passive. For other embodiments, at least one of the end boundary constraints may be electrically coupled to a controller for adjusting vibration characteristics of the generator.
|ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCER DEVICE - The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer device (
|FLOW ENERGY PIEZOELECTRIC BIMORPH NOZZLE HARVESTER - A flow energy harvesting device having a harvester pipe includes a flow inlet that receives flow from a primary pipe, a flow outlet that returns the flow into the primary pipe, and a flow diverter within the harvester pipe having an inlet section coupled to the flow inlet, a flow constriction section coupled to the inlet section and positioned at a midpoint of the harvester pipe and having a spline shape with a substantially reduced flow opening size at a constriction point along the spline shape, and an outlet section coupled to the constriction section. The harvester pipe may further include a piezoelectric structure extending from the inlet section through the constriction section and point such that the fluid flow past the constriction point results in oscillatory pressure amplitude inducing vibrations in the piezoelectric structure sufficient to cause a direct piezoelectric effect and to generate electrical power for harvesting.
|FLEXIBLE STRUCTURE FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM WAVE MOTIONS - A device for generating electrical energy from the motion of waves includes: at least one flexible, floatable tube which is closed at its two ends and includes a wall having at least one horizontal stack, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube and has at least one layer having one tier made of an electroactive polymer and at least one tier serving as a flexible electrode. The tube is exposed to the wave motions of water such that sections of the stacks are strained or compressed, and the layers of the electroactive polymers in the compressed sections are charged with the aid of control electronics, and thereafter excess electrical energy resulting from relaxation of these sections and the associated separation of the charges in the electroactive polymer is extracted by a capacitive discharge.
|PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A generator that collects oscillation energy to convert to electric energy, the generator including a support portion made of non-piezoelectric material, a piezoelectric body disposed on the support portion and having a polarization direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the support portion, the piezoelectric body being configured to oscillate in an oscillating direction to generate the oscillation energy, the oscillating direction perpendicular to the polarization direction, a first electrode provided on a first surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, a second electrode provided on a second surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, and a weight disposed on a third surface of the piezoelectric body facing the support portion.
|PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER FOR MEASURING FLUID PROPERTIES - A transducer includes a preload adapter having a sleeve portion and an end and a housing including a seating portion and a shaft portion that extends from the seating portion. The transducer also includes a piezoelectric element contained at least partially within a chamber that is at least partially defined by the sleeve portion and shaft portion and a diaphragm coupled to an external side of the end such that motion of the piezoelectric element causes motion of the diaphragm.
|A PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER - A piezoelectric energy harvester comprising: a metal substrate comprising a planar part, a first leg projecting from the planar part and a second leg projecting from the planar part, the metal substrate configured to support a piezoelectric matrix on the planar part between the first leg and the second leg; and a piezoelectric matrix provided on the substrate, the piezoelectric matrix comprising a plurality of adjacent PZT elements.
|ASYNCHRONOUS FLUIDIC IMPULSE STRAIN-BASED ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM - Energy harvesting systems and devices are provided that harvest energy from external asynchronous force impulses using fluidic force transfer of the external force impulses to a plurality of compliant piezoelectric layers that seal a corresponding plurality of inner cavities. Each inner cavity can contain a compressible gas. Direct fluidic force transfer can be accomplished via a compressible or incompressible fluid between an external cover and the compliant piezoelectric layers.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICES FOR LOW FREQUENCY APPLICATIONS - An energy harvesting device has been developed for low frequency applications. The energy harvesting device is comprised of a buckling member having a longitudinal axis and configured to exhibit multiple snap-through events in response to a deformation applied axially thereto, where the buckling member is constrained laterally in relation to the longitudinal axis; and at least one cantilever extends outwardly from the buckling member. The cantilever(s) is coated with a piezoelectric material and supports a mass disposed at an opposing end from which it is attached to the buckling member. In this arrangement, the buckling member is able to respond to axial deformations occurring at a frequency less than one Hertz.
|VIBRATION POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed is a vibration power generation device which is provided with: a frame section; a weight section provided inside the frame section; a flexure section that is joined between the frame section and the weight section and is configured to bend in response to a displacement of the weight section; and a power generation section that is located at least at the flexure section and configured to generate an alternating-current voltage in response to a vibration of the weight section. The frame section and the weight section are formed of a silicon substrate. The power generation section comprises, at its own surface, an elastic film formed of a resin material. The flexure section comprises the elastic film formed of the resin material having a Young's modulus smaller than that of silicon forming the frame section and the weight section.
|ELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME - An electric energy generating device. The electric energy generating device includes a piezoelectric structure including a material having piezoelectric characteristics, and an insulating film including a material having electret characteristics. When external energy is supplied to the insulating film, the insulating film contacts the piezoelectric structure and the piezoelectric structure is then deformed to generate electric energy. Also, electric energy is generated when an electrostatic capacitance between the insulating film and a substrate adjacent to the insulating film changes.
|System and method for generating electricity by an inflated moving wheel - A system and method for generating electricity by an inflated moving wheel for transportation devices is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an electricity generating wheel may include an flexible inflated tire, a wheel rim, a central shaft, an electricity generator is installed inside of the inflated tire; the electricity generator may include an outer ring and an inner ring and multiple springs; the inner ring and outer ring may comprise multiple piezoelectricity generators (or other types of electricity generators), the springs connect the outer ring and the inner ring electricity generators and keep the outer ring in contact with the inner surface of the inflated tire. The weight and load of the transportation devices compresses the inflated tire, imposes compression force on the springs, the springs pass such compression force on the electricity generator, the electricity is generated, significant amount of energy is recovered and reused.
|Circuit Module - A circuit module, in particular for use in a vehicle tire, having at least: a housing (
|PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT, ACTUATOR ELEMENT, ACTUATOR, POWER GENERATING ELEMENT, POWER GENERATING DEVICE AND FLEXIBLE SHEET - A piezoelectric element is provided which enables superior piezoelectric effects to be attained while having a comparatively simple structure and being easy to produce. The piezoelectric element according to the present invention includes a plurality of strip-shaped flexible sheets having: a dielectric elastomer layer; and an electrode layer that is stretchable and laminated on the dielectric elastomer layer, the plurality of flexible sheets being superposed crosswise on each other and alternately folded in an accordion shape such that the flexible sheets are alternately stacked. It is preferred that at least one of the plurality of flexible sheets includes a pair of the dielectric layers laminated on front and back face sides of the electrode layer. The pair of flexible sheets are preferably superposed on each other crosswise at substantially right angles. The flexible sheets are preferably stacked to give no less than 10 layers and no greater than 10,000 layers.
|RIBBON TRANSDUCER AND PUMP APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The RIBBON TRANSDUCER AND PUMP APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include, in various embodiments, a variety of mechanisms comprised of components that include flexible elements with persistently strained deformations. Under operation, the deformations may be reconfigured via actuation to produce useful work, or may be reconfigured when subjected to external forces, such as from flowing fluid. The external energy input used to reconfigure these deformations may be harnessed and converted into electrical energy or may be converted into useful mechanical work, such as pumping.
|High Efficiency Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Having Spiral Structure - The present invention relates to a piezoelectric energy harvester having a high energy transformation efficiency and a low natural frequency. The piezoelectric energy harvester includes an elastic substrate having a spiral spring structure, a first electrode formed on the elastomeric substrate, a piezoelectric film formed on the first electrode and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric film.
|ENERGY SCAVENGING SYSTEM USING ELASTO-ELECTRIC PLATES - Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to an energy scavenging system using elasto-electric plates and methods thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, an energy scavenging system comprises at least one piezoelectric region in a roadbed or walkway, wherein the piezoelectric region generates electric fields by the strain deformation from vehicles rolling over it or pedestrians stepping upon it; and at least one plate of a solid material embedded in the roadbed or walkway, wherein the plate is designed to sustain, transmit and guide elastic plate modes that are generated in the piezoelectric region and launched into the plate at a first location; wherein the elastic plate modes are guided laterally through the plate to a second location, at which they are converted to electrical energy by the piezoelectric effect.
|Piezoelectric Power Generating Device - A piezoelectric power generating device that includes a piezoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a stopper, and a lever. The stopper has a first contact surface that is in contact with the first surface. The lever includes a contact portion, which includes a second contact surface that is in contact with the second surface, and a displacement portion. The lever is arranged in such a manner as to be rotatable relative to the stopper around a rotation axis such that the second contact surface presses the second surface when the displacement portion rotates relative to the stopper around the rotation axis.
|NANOMETER ELECTRICAL GENERATOR - A piezoelectric generator is developed by providing a closed vessel within which piezoelectric powders of nanometer sizes are placed with an inert impact material and a viscous inert liquid which maintains the mixture in a cloud-like condition. A small empty space is preferably maintained in the vessel to enable free motion of the mixture when the vessel is moved. The impact material collides with the piezoelectric crystals to generate voltage pulses, and an electric current is created through one or more conductive wires in the vessel.
|POWER COLLECTOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A power collector structure connected to a base is repetitively deformed or bent. The power collector structure is bar-like, and is connected to the base in an essentially rigid manner. A power collector for converting mechanical energy to electric power is connected to the power collector structure.
|MICRO ELECTRIC GENERATOR, METHOD OF PROVIDING THE SAME, AND ELECTRIC GENERATING DEVICE - A micro electric generator is disclosed, which comprises: at least one electrically conductive fiber, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic layer covering on the surface of that at least one electrically conductive fiber. When a mechanical force is applied to deform the electrically conductive fiber covered with the piezoelectric ceramic layer, electric energy is generated. Also, a method of fabricating the said micro electric generator and an electric generating device are disclosed.
|PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATING ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING POWER GENERATION AMOUNT OF PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATING ELEMENT - Provided is a piezoelectric generating element having an electrode on an outer surface of a piezoelectric ceramic body, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic body has a relative permittivity of 110 to 1700, an elastic compliance of 15 to 150 pm
|ACCELERATION SENSOR, VIBRATION POWER GENERATOR DEVICE, AND ACCELERATION SENSOR MANUFACTURING METHOD - An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric layer formed on a substrate, and sensing electrodes formed in the piezoelectric layer. In the acceleration sensor, the piezoelectric layer interposing between the sensing electrodes is polarized in a film thickness direction of the piezoelectric layer.
|VORTEX RESONANCE WIND TURBINE - Wind turbine consisting of an anchoring to the ground or to a base and a mast, the natural oscillation frequency of which is purposely adjusted to the frequency of appearance of the air vortices or eddies produced after the collision of a laminar and stationary airflow against the surface thereof. The aeroelastic energy thus absorbed is converted into electrical energy due to the use of materials with high electromechanical coupling.
|MEMS KINETIC ENERGY CONVERSION - The present disclosure provides a micro device. The device has a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) movable structure, a plurality of metal loops over the MEMS movable structure, and a piezoelectric element over the MEMS movable structure. Frontside and backside capping wafers are bonded to the MEMS structure, with the frontside and backside capping wafers encapsulating the MEMS movable structure, the plurality of metal loops, and the piezoelectric element. The device further includes a magnet disposed on the frontside capping wafer over the plurality of metal loops.
|Piezoelectric Power Generation Device - A small-sized piezoelectric power generation device is provided which can generate electric power even with vibrations at low frequencies. The piezoelectric power generation device includes a piezoelectric element formed in a spiral shape and having a center-side end fixed to a first fixing member and an outer-side end fixed to a second fixing member. The piezoelectric element includes a first piezoelectric body formed in a spiral shape and polarized in a radial direction of the piezoelectric element from one side toward the other side. The first and second fixing members are arranged such that the second fixing member is displaceable relative to the first fixing member in a tangential direction x, whereas the second fixing member is restricted from displacing relative to the first fixing member in a perpendicular direction y.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR FOR FEEDING EMERGENCY POWER - A piezoelectric power generator for feeding emergency power, includes a frame; a fixing unit comprising a left fixing body coupled to an upper left side of the frame and a right fixing body coupled to an upper right part of the frame; a first piezoelectric body bonded to a right side of the left fixing body; a second piezoelectric body bonded to a left side of the right fixing body; and a vibration unit bonded between the first piezoelectric body and the second piezoelectric body and vibrating vertically.
|APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING ENERGY - An apparatus for generating electrical energy from mechanical vibrations of an object is provided. The apparatus comprises a case for housing the object. The case comprises: a first case member comprising a first and a second opposing surfaces, said first case member comprising an internal space between the first and the second opposing surfaces; multiple piezoelectric elements for generating electrical energy from the mechanical vibrations, each piezoelectric element comprises a first and a second end, wherein each piezoelectric element being arranged over the first and the second opposing surfaces at the first end; a second case member movably suspended on the first case member, said second case member interfaces with the second end of piezoelectric elements arranged over the first opposing surface; and a third case member movably suspended on the first case member, said third case member interfaces with the second end of piezoelectric element arranged over the second opposing surface.
|ENERGY HARVESTING MECHANISM - Embodiments of the invention provide an energy harvesting mechanism comprising a central conductive element and a plurality of transductive elements. Each transductive element is positioned to be in contact with a corresponding peripheral length segment of the central conductive element. Also each transductive element is deformable in a characteristic radial direction to convert its deformation into a corresponding electrical signal. The plurality of transductive elements are arranged so that any one of the plurality of transductive elements is capable of being deformed in the characteristic radial direction to trigger the corresponding electrical signal. Embodiments of the mechanism can be used for harvesting energy from a variety of bio-kinetic events such as a heartbeat, respiration, muscle contraction or other movement. Such embodiments can be used for powering a variety of implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and various monitoring devices.
|WIND ENERGY GENERATOR USING PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL AND AUXILIARY MECHANISM THEREOF - A wind energy generator using a piezoelectric material and an auxiliary mechanism thereof are disclosed. The wind energy generator comprises the auxiliary mechanism and the piezoelectric material. The auxiliary mechanism comprises a wind collecting device and a wind driving device. The wind collecting device is used for collecting a wind and increasing the wind speed. The wind driving device cooperates with the wind collecting device to receive the wind. The piezoelectric material contacts with the wind driving device. When the wind collecting device receives the wind, the piezoelectric material is vibrated by the wind via the wind driving device to generate an electric power.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE HAVING SELF-POWERED TOUCH SENSOR - Provided is an energy harvesting device having a self-powered touch sensor so that the energy harvesting device is capable of sensing pressure due to an external touch without using external power and harvesting and storing energy generated in response to the touch pressure. The energy harvesting device includes first and second electrodes facing each other, an energy generation layer disposed on the first electrode, and an elastic layer disposed on the second electrode layer, the elastic layer facing the energy generation layer and being configured to be elastically deformed according to pressure applied to the elastic layer. The energy generation layer is configured to generate energy according to the pressure applied to the energy generation layer.
|SINGLE CRYSTALLINE MICROSTRUCTURES AND METHODS AND DEVICES RELATED THERETO - A product, such as one or more thin sheets, each containing a single or near-single crystalline inclusion-containing magnetic microstructure, is provided. In one embodiment, the inclusion-containing magnetic microstructure is a Galfenol-carbide microstructure. Various methods and devices, as well as compositions, are also described.
|PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR, SENSOR NODE, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A piezoelectric generator includes: a base body; and at least one piezoelectric transducer disposed on the base body, and including a first electrode, a piezoelectric body, and a second electrode, wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes a support section fixed to the base body, and a vibrating section disposed apart from the base body, having one end connected to the support section and the other end set as a free end, and vibrating due to a vibration applied externally, and a distance between the other end of the vibrating section and the base body is larger than a distance between the one end of the vibrating section and the base body.
|ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATOR USING PIEZOELECTRIC CRYSTALS - An electrical energy generator and a method of generating electrical energy are provided. The electrical energy generator has a rotating drive shaft, a first member connected to the rotating drive shaft and one or more base plates that encircle the first member and rotate relative to the first member. Each base plate has one or more electrical energy generator components and each electrical energy generator component has one or more piezoelectric elements that are excited when the base plates rotate relative to the first member and that generate electrical energy. The electrical energy output of the electrical energy generator is a total of the electrical energy output of the piezoelectric elements on the one or more base plates.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE - A piezoelectric energy harvesting device (PEHD) comprising a driving element, conducting element, piezoelectric layer and non-piezoelectric layer capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from PMN-PT or PZT having a thickness of about 1-150 μm. The PEHD may be used to generate about 1 W. The harvested energy may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies.
|POWER GENERATOR EMPLOYING PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENTS - An efficient electrical power generator employs a plurality of piezoelectric devices in a rigid container. The top cover of the rigid container is capable of moving and in direct contact with a large hydraulic cylinder. A small cylinder, hydraulically coupled with the large one, through tubing is capable to displace a liquid contained in the tubing. An input force applied on the small cylinder, is multiplied by the large cylinder, which compresses the piezoelectric devices causing them to produce an electrical output
|RESILIENT BRIDGE SUPPORT HAVING A PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE - A resilient support for a bridge includes: an upper plate fixedly installed on the undersurface of the bridge deck panel; a base plate fixedly installed on the top surface of the pier; an upper fixed panel and a lower fixed panel fastened and fixed by fastening bolts to the upper plate and to the base plate, respectively; and a rubber pad, the top and bottom surfaces of which are thermally bonded and fixed to the upper and lower fixed panels, respectively, and including a plurality of steel panels in a multi-stack configuration filled therein, wherein the resilient support is configured with a plurality of piezoelectric devices for converting vibrations transmitted from the bridge deck panels into electric energy, and the piezoelectric devices are stacked between each of the steel panels within the rubber pad.
|VIBRATION POWER-GENERATING STRAIN WAVE GEARING - The strain wave gearing includes a rigid internally toothed gear, a flexible externally toothed gear that is disposed coaxially therein and is flexible in the radial direction, and a wave generator that is disposed coaxially inside the externally toothed gear. The flexible externally toothed gear is bent in the radial direction by the wave generator and meshes with the rigid internally toothed gear in sections. When the position of meshing of the rigid internally toothed gear with the flexible externally toothed gear moves in the circumferential direction as the wave generator rotates, a relative rotation that corresponds to the difference in number of teeth of the two gears is generated between the two gears. A vibration-powered generator is disposed on the flexible externally toothed gear. The vibration-powered generator is provided with a piezoelectric element.
|Fluid Current Energy Capture Apparatus And Method - One aspect of the present invention involves investigation of the principles and feasibility of the harvesting energy from the wind in constrained spaces, such as around buildings, as an alternative to conventional rotary wind turbines. Some embodiments involve the idea of harvesting energy from wind induced vibration instead of wind driven rotation. Some embodiments are a tree-like generator for wind energy harvesting including multiple vibrating elements. Some embodiments include a "piezo stalk and leaf" as an element of a plant-like generator. In some embodiments, a leaf, made at least in part from piezoelectric type materials is capable of generating electrical power through wind induced vibrations. Some embodiments include a cantilever piezo-electric material containing stalk member that exhibits at least one mode of cantilever motion. Some embodiments include an elongated piezoelectric material containing stalk member (which may or may not qualify as a cantilever), where a pendular member (or leaf member) is mechanically connected to the stalk and extends in a direction substantially non-parallel (for example, perpendicular to) the direction of elongation of the stalk.
|PIEZOELECTRIC STACK COMPRESSION GENERATOR - A stack of piezoelectric elements, in the form of an elongated rod divided in to segments, for generating electric energy in response to compressive stress is provided comprising: piezoelectric elements stacked one on top of the other such that electrodes of same polarity of adjacent disks are touching A holding structure, such as a screw holds the piezoelectric elements together between a top and a bottom end pieces which transfer mechanical compressive stress to the elements in the stack. The holding structure accepts shear stresses, provides preloading stress on the stack and prevents buckling of the stack under pressure. A recess in the end piece, deeper than the head of the screw, ensures that load placed on the stack will compress the piezoelectric elements and not on the screw.
|BLADELESS WIND POWER GENERATOR - In a first embodiment, a wind to energy conversion system is constructed out of a number of modular power units (
|PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Provided are flexible piezoelectric generators and methods of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric generator includes a first insulation layer disposed on a first electrode, a piezoelectric structure disposed on the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer disposed on the piezoelectric structure, and a second electrode disposed on the second insulation layer.
|ELECTROACTIVE ELASTOMER CONVERTER - An electroactive elastomer converter is described comprising at least one electroactive elastomer layer (
|SPRING DISC ENERGY HARVESTER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for forming an energy harvesting device. The method may involve providing a disc spring and supporting an outer peripheral edge of the disc spring. A pre-load force may be applied to the disc spring which is directed along its axial center. While applying the pre-load force, a piezoelectric material may be fixedly secured to a surface of the disc spring. The disc spring may be supported from a peripheral edge thereof to allow oscillating motion thereof. The support element may be used to apply a predetermined preload force to the disc spring that reduces a stiffness of the disc spring.
|POWER GENERATOR - An electrical power generator has one or more serpentine elements that are made of a poled piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic, one or more electrically conductive shims or foils and at least two electrically conductive electrode coatings on the serpentine element. The conductive electrodes are further electrically connected to an electrical load or energy storage device or both, and the serpentine element is mechanically affixed to a source of compression or vibration or both.
|PIEZOELECTRIC MICRO ENERGY HARVESTER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed is a piezoelectric micro energy harvester and manufacturing method thereof, the method including: forming an insulation film on a substrate; patterning the insulation film and forming an electrode pad pattern, a center electrode pattern, and a side electrode pattern; forming an open cavity at an inside of the substrate for suspension of the center electrode pattern and the side electrode pattern; disposing a conductive film on the electrode pad pattern, the center electrode pattern, and the side electrode pattern and forming electrode pads, a center electrode, and a side electrode; and forming a piezoelectric film so as to cover a space between the center electrode and the side electrode and upper surfaces of the center electrode and the side electrode.
|FLOATING OFF-SHORE POWER GENERATION APPARATUS USING IONIC POLYMERIC METAL COMPOSITE - The present invention relates to a floating offshore power generation apparatus using an ionic polymer-metal composite, including: a floating body floating on water; an ionic polymer-metal composite that is attached to the floating body and generates electricity by bending in a vertical or horizontal direction according to the flowing state of sea water; a rectification unit that converts, into a direct electric current, the electricity generated in the form of an alternating electric current in the ion polymeric metal composite; and a load unit that is connected to the rectification unit and supplies or stores the produced electricity. According to the present invention, ionic polymer-metal composites having hydrophilicity are attached to one floating body instead of complicated mechanical parts vulnerable to the offshore environment, thereby facilitating maintenance and increasing power generation efficiency per unit area.
|HYBRID PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING TRANSDUCER SYSTEM - A hybrid piezoelectric energy harvesting transducer system includes: (a) first and second symmetric, pre-curved piezoelectric elements mounted separately on a frame so that their concave major surfaces are positioned opposite to each other; and (b) a linear piezoelectric element mounted separately on the frame and positioned between the pre-curved piezoelectric elements. The pre-curved piezoelectric elements and the linear piezoelectric element are spaced from one another and communicate with energy harvesting circuitry having contact points on the frame. The hybrid piezoelectric energy harvesting transducer system has a higher electromechanical energy conversion efficiency than any known piezoelectric transducer.
|UNIVERSAL POWER TOOL BATTERY PACK COUPLED TO A PORTABLE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A portable internal combustion engine and a charging device that generates AC power are supported on a manually movable frame. A coupling mechanism which can include a starter circuit and starting device, or a charging circuit and charging device, or both device couples a battery receptacle terminal block to the internal combustion engine. The battery receptacle can include various features to permit and retain electrical coupling between a battery pack for a cordless power tool. For examples key protrusions and corresponding recesses can be associating with latching projections. Additionally or alternatively, cooperating rails and recesses may be associated with the battery pack and receptacle, respectively. Spring loaded movable clips or resilient flexing clips can be included to act on the battery pack. An electrical cord may also be used to couple receptacle terminals to the coupling mechanism.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF HARVESTING ENERGY - According to embodiments of the present invention, an energy harvesting device is provided. The energy harvesting device includes a microchannel arranged to receive a fluid, a bluff body arranged to interact with the fluid flowing through the microchannel to generate a vortex fluid street, and an energy harvesting element arranged to interact with the vortex fluid street to harvest energy from the fluid. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method of harvesting energy is also provided.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING ELEMENT, AND METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER USING THE PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATING ELEMENT - Provided is a relatively easy-to-fabricate piezoelectric power generating element capable of generating a large amount of electric power while comprising a bridge-type vibration beam that is resistant to damage from external vibration. This element comprises a support member, a strip-shaped vibration beam, a piezoelectric layer, and electrodes. The first and second ends of the vibration beam are fixed to the support member. The piezoelectric layer and the electrodes are provided on the surface of the vibration beam. The vibration beam extends in a plane when it is not vibrating. The vibration beam has a first portion that extends from the first end fixed to the support member, a second portion that extends from the second end fixed to the support member, and a third portion that connects the end of the first portion opposite to the first end and the end of the second portion opposite to the second end. The vibration beam has a shape such that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane, a first direction in which the first portion extends is a direction closer to the second end, and a second direction in which the second portion extends is a direction closer to the first end, the first and second directions each make an angle of more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to a straight line connecting the center of the first end and the center of the second end, and the third portion intersects once the straight line.
|Method and System for Fluid Wave Energy Conversion - A system for converting kinetic wave energy from a dynamic fluid into electrical power, the system including a structural housing containing a piezokinetic assembly having a plurality of electromechanical coupled elements, and a dynamic assembly, coupled to the piezokinetic assembly; and charge storage devices or power consumption devices in an electronics module coupled to the piezokinetic assembly. When the exposed to the dynamic fluid medium, the dynamic fluid medium's wave energy couples with the structural housing causing a resulting displacement of the dynamic assembly contained therein. The displacement of the dynamic assembly causes a plurality of the electromechanical coupled elements to simultaneously flex, generating an electrical charge which may be either stored in the charge storage device or which may directly power the power consumption device.
|Power Generation Member, Power Generation Device Using Same and Power Generation System. - To provide a power generation member having a high power generating capacity, a power generation device using the same, and a power generation system.
|Nano Piezoelectric Actuator Energy Conversion Apparatus and Method of Making Same - A nano piezoelectric actuator energy conversion apparatus fabricated from silicon comprising a mechanical amplifier comprising a fixed supporting member, a movable supporting member connected to compliant links attached to at least one actuating arm, and a piezoelectric stack affixed between the fixed supporting member and movable supporting member. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating a nano piezoelectric actuator from silicon and preloading the nano actuator with a piezoelectric stack.
|Apparatus and Method for Harvesting Electrical Energy from Mechanical Motion - A method and apparatus for harvesting energy comprising determining an electrical impedance of a piezoelectric stack, connecting an electrical load to the piezoelectric stack wherein the piezoelectric stack is housed in a mechanical amplifier comprising a fixed supporting member, a movable supporting member connected to compliant links attached to at least one actuating arm, and connecting the actuator to a source of motion whereby movement of the actuating arm results in compression and expansion of the piezoelectric stack, which generates electrical current into the electrical load.
|NANO PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE HAVING A NANOWIRE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME - Provided are a nano piezoelectric device and a method of forming the nano piezoelectric device. The nano piezoelectric device includes a lower electrode, a nanowire extending upward from the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the nanowire. The nanowire includes a conductive wire core and a wire shell surrounding the wire core and including a piezoelectric material.
|PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER AND WIRELESS SWITCH INCLUDING THE SAME - Provided are a piezoelectric energy harvester and a wireless switch including the piezoelectric energy harvester. The wireless switch uses energy generated in a piezoelectric energy harvester as a source of driving power, thereby transmitting communications signals to an external electronic device without requiring a battery. In addition, the piezoelectric energy harvester generates displacement in a piezoelectric element through a magnetic force generated in a magnet, thereby generating a constant level of energy when generating the driving power.
|Large-scale Fabrication of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanowire Arrays - A generator includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures, an insulating layer and a second electrode layer. The substrate has a top surface and the first electrode layer is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures extends from the first electrode layer. Each of the nanostructures has a top end. The insulating layer is disposed on the top ends of the nanostructures. The second electrode layer is disposed on the non-conductive layer and is spaced apart from the nanostructures.
|ACTIVE PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER WITH EMBEDDED VARIABLE CAPACITANCE LAYER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Provided is an active piezoelectric energy harvester, which can control a direct current voltage applied to an embedded variable capacitance layer to precisely adjust a resonance frequency in real time, and thus achieve a simpler structure and a smaller size compared to a conventional one that adjusts the resonance frequency using a separate variable capacitor provided outside. Further, the active piezoelectric energy harvester can precisely adjust the resonance frequency even when the frequency of vibration varies over time as in a real natural vibration environment or when it is degraded to undergo a variation in its own resonance frequency, and thus can continuously maintain optimal energy conversion characteristics.
|PIEZOELECTRIC AND SEMICONDUCTING COUPLED NANOGENERATORS - An electrical generator includes a substrate, a semiconductor piezoelectric structure having a first end and an opposite second end disposed adjacent to the substrate, a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact. The structure bends when a force is applied adjacent to the first end, thereby causing an electrical potential difference to exist between a first side and a second side of the structure. The first conductive contact is in electrical communication with the first end and includes a material that creates a Schottky barrier between a portion of the first end of the structure and the first conductive contact. The first conductive contact is also disposed relative to the structure in a position so that the Schottky barrier is forward biased when the structure is deformed, thereby allowing current to flow from the first conductive contact into the first end.
|VOLTAGE GENERATION FOR ELECTRICAL DEVICES - An apparatus for generating voltage from a compressed gas. A reciprocable shuttle member is arranged to oscillate within a housing under the action of gas pressure. The shuttle member impacts on a piezoelectric member thereby causing voltage to be generated from the piezoelectric member.
|ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE SAME - According to embodiments of the present invention, an energy harvesting device is provided. The energy harvesting device includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements, each energy harvesting element including a transducer, and at least one spring arranged in between at least two energy harvesting elements of the plurality of energy harvesting elements to mechanically couple the at least two energy harvesting elements to each other. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming an energy harvesting device is also provided.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMER ELEMENT AND PRODUCTION METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREFOR - A piezoelectric polymer element such as a fibre or film is described, having a solid cross-section and a substantially homogeneous composition. A method of forming such a piezoelectric polymer element is also described. The method has the steps of extruding a polymer material and concurrently poling a region of the extruded material. Apparatus for forming such a piezoelectric polymer element is also described that comprises an extruder for extruding a polymer element from a granular feed and a pair of electrodes for applying an electric field across a region of the element concurrently with its extrusion. Also described is a piezoelectric construct having such piezoelectric polymer elements interposed between two conductive layers. A system for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is described in which each of the piezoelectric construct's two conductive layers is connected to a respective terminal of a rectifying circuit.
|IMPACT-TYPE PIEZOELECTRIC MICRO POWER GENERATOR - The present inventive concept discloses an impact-type piezoelectric micro power generator. The impact-type piezoelectric micro power generator may comprise a base having a cavity and at least one stop area adjacent to the cavity; a frame fastened to the base; a vibrating body comprising a plurality of first vibrating beams extended from the frame toward a top of the cavity, an impact beam connected to between first tips of the plurality of first vibrating beams and extended onto the stop area, and a second vibrating beam extended from the impact beam to between the plurality of first vibrating beams, the second vibrating beam having a second tip; and a piezoelectric device disposed on one of a top and a bottom of the second vibrating beam and the impact beam, the piezoelectric device generating electric power according to impacts of the vibrating body to the stop area and bending of the impact beam and the second vibrating beam.
|Electrical Energy Generator and Method of Generating Electrical Energy
|CHARGING DEVICE WITH PIEZOELECTRIC-COMPOSITE AND ULTRASONIC APPARATUS WITH THE SAME - Provided is an ultrasonic apparatus. The ultrasonic apparatus may include a charging device, a circuit device electrically connected to the charging device, and a housing part for packaging the charging device and the circuit device. Here, the charging device may include a lower electrode, an upper electrode provided on the lower electrode, a plurality of pillar-shaped piezoelectric composites provided between the lower and upper electrodes, and an electrolyte layer provided between the lower and upper electrodes to fill spaces between the pillar-shaped piezoelectric composites.
|TEXTILE-BASED STRETCHABLE ENERGY GENERATOR - A textile-based stretchable energy generator is provided. The energy generator includes: flexible and stretchable first and second electrode substrates; and an energy generation layer, which is provided between the first and second electrode substrates and includes a dielectric elastomer for generating electrical energy from a transformation thereof.
|PIEZOELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONICS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - This disclosure presents an advanced design of an energy harvester that utilizes a piezoelectric element to convert vibration to electricity. The advanced design is based on a fixed-fixed folded beam. An aqua regia wet etching and PZT sol-gel deposition/patterning processes can be used to manufacture the energy harvester.
|Passive, Self-Tuning Energy Harvester for Extracting Energy From Rotational Motion - Energy harvester. The harvester includes a radially extending beam having a proximal end mounted a selected distance from an axis of rotation of an object and includes a mass at its distal end. The mass, beam characteristics, and the selected distance are chosen so that the beam resonant frequency during rotation of the object substantially matches the driven rotational frequency of the object.
|HIGH ENERGY DENSITY ENERGY STORAGE AND DISCHARGE DEVICE - An electrically transductive device, including a substrate having an electrically conducting surface portion, a first film of semiconducting nanoparticles positioned on the electrically conducting portion and further including a first plurality of close packed first generally spherical particles defining a first plurality of interstices and a second plurality of second, smaller generally spherical particles substantially filling the plurality of interstices, and a first coating of electrically conductive metal deposited over the first film.
|GENERATOR APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a generator apparatus for a vehicle, which uses the pressure exerted on the wheels of a vehicle while the vehicle travels to generate electricity to provide a source of driving power for a vehicle that is driven by electricity, such as an electric car or a hybrid vehicle. The generator apparatus is installed on a rotating wheel of a vehicle and comprises a generator module including a plurality of piezoelectric devices that generate electricity by means of pressure transferred from the ground through the wheel when the wheel rotates, a condenser for storing electricity generated by the generator module, and a connecting unit electrically connecting the generator module to the condenser. The generator module may include a supporting member installed on the wheel flange and covered by a tire, and the piezoelectric devices installed on the supporting member. The connecting unit includes a rotating disk installed on an axle supporting the wheel, and having contacting terminals extending in a circumferential direction on one side of the rotating disk, a power connection member, one side of which is electrically connected to the generator module and the other side of which is connected to the rotating disk; and a contact connector supported on the axle or on the frame of the vehicle, and having a brush contacting the two contacting terminals.
|ELECTRIC APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH POWER GENERATING FUNCTION - A remote controller (
|INCREASED FREQUENCY POWER GENERATION USING LOW-FREQUENCY AMBIENT VIBRATIONS - An increased frequency power generator that includes a pair of transducers located on opposite sides of a suspended inertial mass. Magnetic attraction is used to couple the mass to each of the two transducers in alternating fashion in response to vibration and other movement externally imparted on the generator. Each transducer includes a suspended magnetic element that couples and decouples to the inertial mass as it reciprocates in the housing due to the applied external moving force. As the inertial mass decouples from one transducer on its way to magnetically connecting to the other transducer, the decoupled suspended magnetic element oscillates at a frequency greater than the imparting force, thereby generating electrical power.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - Provided is a small piezoelectric power generator applied to a wireless sensor network system of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for monitoring an internal environment of a tire such as variation in air pressure in the tire. In particular, when the system, in which air pressure, temperature and acceleration sensors are mounted, installed in the tire is operated in the TPMS for an automobile, a small piezoelectric power generator for the TPMS can be used as a power source in place of a conventional battery. The piezoelectric power generator includes a substrate having an electrode for transmitting power to the exterior, a metal plate formed on the substrate, and a piezoelectric body disposed on the metal plate and transmitting the power generated by a piezoelectric material to the electrode.
|Ferro fluid for inducing linear stress - A device for generating electrical energy has a sheet of piezo material with an array of holes formed therein. At least some of the holes are filled with ferro fluid which expands in the holes upon being subjected to a change in magnetic energy. The sheet of piezo material generates an electrical potential in response to applied mechanical strain caused by the expansion of the ferro fluid in the holes of the piezo sheet.
|Polymer Metal Composite Membranes - Systems and methods of harvesting and converting naturally occurring energy are described that include exposing a material to an ambient condition and harvesting at least a portion of energy that is created. Energy harvesting from fluidic and flow environments or vibration can be accomplished using types of energy harvesters, such as flexible polymers. Active materials or Electro-Active Polymer (EAP)-metal composite thin films like Ionic Polymers, Piezoceramic materials, and electromagnetic systems may be used as mechanical to electrical energy transducers. One type of an ionic EAP is ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), which includes a base polymer membrane that may be coated with a metal to act as a surface electrode. The surface electrode may be silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle functionalized IPMC can be used to convert mechanical vibrations and fluidic flow to electrical energy to power wireless devices and microelectronic systems, for example.
|Self-charging electronic device - A self-charging device includes a passageway which has piezoelectric elements at its opposite ends. A mobile member is located within the passageway and configured to travel between and collide with the piezoelectric elements. Collisions generate electrical voltage and current. Conductive leads transmit current from the piezoelectric elements to a circuit or to a storage member such as a capacitor or a battery.
|PIEZOELECTRIC POWER APPARATUS - A piezoelectric power apparatus comprises a first case, at least one piezoelectric module and a rotating member, wherein the first case has a bottom surface and at least one hollow chamber recessed into the bottom surface, and the piezoelectric module is disposed into the hollow chamber. The piezoelectric module comprises at least one frame body, a moving member and a plurality of piezoelectric portions. The moving member is penetrated into the frame body. Each of the piezoelectric portions comprises a first end and a second end, each of the first ends is fixed at the frame body, each of the second ends is fixed at the moving member, and the moving member is moved back and forth in the frame body. The moving member is pivotally disposed at the rotating member.
|Hybrid piezoelectric generation - A piezoelectric generator has a central shaft for rotating a rotating unit in a carrier. At this time, projections and actuating rods of the rotating unit intermittently contact with balls of a first piezoelectric unit and a second piezoelectric unit and second piezoelectric transducers of the carrier.
Patent applications in class Voltage, spark or current generator