Low Frequency Kinetic Energy Harvester Using Hydrogel Composite Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy harvesting methods are limited in effectively harvesting kinetic energy from objects moving at low frequencies, such as those found in everyday life environments like human motion or wind, as most existing harvesters operate best at frequencies higher than 100 Hz.
Innovation Solution
A low frequency kinetic energy harvester is developed using a P-type and N-type hydrogel composite electrode configuration with a separator and current collectors, incorporating materials like carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires to enhance conductivity and form a hierarchical conductor network, allowing for energy harvesting from objects vibrating at frequencies of 10 Hz or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional energy harvesting methods are used, then energy can be harvested from high frequency sources (>100 Hz), but they cannot effectively harvest energy from low frequency sources (≤10 Hz) such as human motion or wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the energy harvester from high frequency (>100 Hz) to low frequency (≤10 Hz) by modifying the mechanical structure and resonance characteristics of the system, enabling effective energy harvesting from low frequency sources like human motion and wind
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the energy harvesting device, combining different materials with complementary properties to enhance both low-frequency response and energy conversion efficiency, allowing the system to maintain high productivity across a broader frequency range
2Ease of manufacture
If piezoelectricity-based methods are used, then energy harvesting can be achieved, but the method is limited in effectiveness for low frequency applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operating parameters of piezoelectric-based energy harvesters by adjusting mechanical leverage ratios, resonance frequencies, and structural configurations to extend effective operation down to low frequency ranges (≤10 Hz), maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving frequency adaptability
3Power
If electromagnetic methods are used, then energy harvesting is possible, but these methods struggle with low frequency kinetic energy conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mechanical elements such as movable masses, springs, and dampers that can be tuned to resonate at low frequencies, thereby amplifying the kinetic energy input from slow-moving sources and improving the power output of electromagnetic energy harvesters at low frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes electromagnetic generator parameters including coil turns, magnetic field strength, and mechanical coupling ratios to maximize power conversion efficiency at low frequencies, where traditional high-speed electromagnetic generators would otherwise fail to generate sufficient power
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The harvester effectively generates a high voltage and current from low-frequency mechanical energy, providing a viable auxiliary power source for portable electronic devices, with improved performance compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The P-type hydrogel composite electrode may include a polymer hydrogel layer including mobile cations and the N-type hydrogel composite electrode may include a polymer hydrogel layer including mobile anions
Data Source
AI summary
A kinetic energy harvester includes a P-type hydrogel composite electrode; an N-type hydrogel composite electrode; a separator disposed between the P-type hydrogel composite electrode and the N-type hydrogel composite electrode; and a current collector between the P-type hydrogel composite electrode and the N-type composite electrode.