General Solution
Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting (Gear-and-Generator)
Alternative Solutions for Energy Conversion
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Triboelectric Energy Harvesting
Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting (Gear-and-Generator)
A gear-and-generator-type energy harvester is a classical power generation technique. The human motion is amplified by a gear train, and then it is used to operate a rotary generator.
Advantage: high-power output (watt-level), simple
design concept
Disadvantage: bulky, restricts movement,
difficult for storage
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Piezoelectric energy harvesting is based on the piezoelectric effect. When the material is subjected to mechanical stress, it will generate the electrical potential.
Advantages: low cost, compact, lightweight,
simple construction, battery charging
Disadvantages: low-power output (mW-level),
large gap displacement may
over-bend the cantilever
Triboelectric Energy Harvesting
A triboelectric energy harvester works from friction or temporary contact between two different triboelectric materials. Its basic energy harvesting mechanism is based on combined contact electrification and electrostatic induction.
Advantages: very low cost, lightweight,
simple construction
Disadvantages: low-power output (mW-level),
electrical output affected by
environmental condition
