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Tuning into the vibes
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04/07/2007
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Researchers at Southampton University have developed a kinetic power generator that is 10 times as powerful as similar devices.
According to Dr Steve Beeby, from the University's School of Electronics & Computer Science (ECS): “This is the most successful generator of its kind and generates energy much more efficiently than any similar device of its size.”
The generator, which occupies less than 1cm³, was developed as part of the EU funded €4.13million VIBES (Vibration Energy Scavenging) project. It has been designed to power wireless sensors that monitor the condition of industrial plant and is intended to be installed within an air compressor unit supplying several laboratories within a building.
However, it could also be used in wireless, self powered tyre sensors and, if developed further, could form the basis of technology for self powered pacemakers. The technology offers the potential to replace or augment batteries.
”Vibration energy harvesting is receiving a considerable amount of interest as a means for powering wireless sensor nodes,” said Dr Beeby. “The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations.”
The development will be exploited through the University's spin out Perpetuum, whose existing products are pictured here.
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Author
Graham Pitcher
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