Piezoelectric energy harvesting for self-powered wearable upper limb applications

Liu, Y., Khanbareh, H., Halim, M. A., Feeney, A. , Zhang, X., Heidari, H. and Ghannam, R. (2021) Piezoelectric energy harvesting for self-powered wearable upper limb applications. Nano Select, 2(8), pp. 1459-1479. (doi: 10.1002/nano.202000242)

[img] Text
232838.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

2MB

Abstract

Wearable devices can be used for monitoring vital physical and physiological signs remotely, as well as for interacting with computers. Widespread adoption of wearables is somewhat hindered by the duration time they can be used without re‐recharging. To ensure uninterrupted operation, these devices need a constant and battery‐less energy supply. Scavenging energy from the wearable's surroundings is, therefore, an essential step towards achieving genuinely autonomous and self‐powered devices. While energy harvesting technologies may not completely eliminate the battery storage unit, they can ensure a maximum duration of use. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising and efficient technique to generate electricity for powering wearable devices in response to body movements. Consequently, we systematically survey the range of technologies used for scavenging energy from the human body, with a particular focus on the upper‐limb area. According to our review and in comparison to other upper limb locations, highest power densities can be achieved from piezoelectric transducers located on the wrist. For short and fast battery charging needs, we therefore review the range of materials, architectures and devices used to scavenge energy from these upper‐limb areas. We provide comparisons as well as recommendations and possible future directions for harvesting energy using this promising technique.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ghannam, Professor Rami and Feeney, Dr Andrew and Heidari, Professor Hadi and Liu, Miss Yuchi
Authors: Liu, Y., Khanbareh, H., Halim, M. A., Feeney, A., Zhang, X., Heidari, H., and Ghannam, R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Nano Select
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:2688-4011
ISSN (Online):2688-4011
Published Online:09 February 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Nano Select 2(8): 1459-1479
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record