Shoes That Generate Renewable Energy Using Piezoelectric Materials
EcoFriend
Dr. Ville Kaajakari, assistant professor of electrical engineeringat Louisiana Tech University, is developing a technology that will allow users to generate energy with a generator embedded in the sole of ashoe. The technology is based on the use of circuits that convertpiezoelectric charge into usable electricity.
The electricity generated by the system can be used to charge batteries or directly power electronics. Thistechnology could benefit, for example, hikers that need emergencylocation devices or beacons,” said Kaajakari. “For more general use,you can use it to power portable devices without wasteful batteries.”
Kaajakari’s breakthrough uses a low-cost polymer transducer that has metalized surfaces for electrical contact. Unlike conventional ceramic transducers, the polymer-based generator is soft and robust, matchingthe properties of regular shoe fillings. The transducer can thereforereplace the regular heel shock absorber with no loss in user experience.
Via: Treehugger
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