Mini Generators Make Energy From Random Ambient Vibrations

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed tiny generators that can produce enough electricity from random, ambient vibrations to power a wristwatch, pacemaker or wireless sensor. In humans, these vibrations could come from moving muscles or limbs. The generators have demonstrated that they can produce up to 500 microwatts from typical vibration amplitudes found on the human body. That’s more than enough energy to run a wristwatch, which needs between 1 and 10 microwatts, or a pacemaker, which needs between 10 and 50. Although the generators are still in the prototype stage, this is good news for patients with pacemakers, as pacemaker batteries currently in use usually last for 5 to 10 years after which they need to be replaced requiring a surgical procedure.
Press release: Mini generators make energy from random ambient vibrations…