Wearable Energy Harvesting
With the rapid advancement of wearable and mobile technologies, there is an increasing need for sustainable and autonomous energy sources. Traditional batteries pose challenges in terms of lifespan, charging requirements, and environmental impact. We are exploring the potential of radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to enable self-powered textile-based wearable devices.
Specifically, we integrate RF energy harvesting with TENG-based mechanical energy conversion to devolop a hybrid system capable of continuously powering low-energy electronics. The RF harvesting module captures ambient electromagnetic waves and converts them into electrical energy. Simultenously, the TENG module generates electricity through human motion and contact-based triboelectric effects.
Finally, textile-based diodes for rectifiers enable efficient AC-to-DC conversion for improved energy harvesting performance. All components are incorporated into fabric for seamless wearability and comfort. This textile-based wearable technology would be a sustainable, self-powered device with diverse applications.
Overall approach/Method
The project integrates RF energy harvesting with TENG-based mechanical energy conversion to create a hybrid system capable of continuously powering low-energy electronics. The system consists of:
- RF Harvesting Module: Captures ambient electromagnetic waves and converts them into electrical energy.
- TENG Module: Generates electricity through human motion and contact-based triboelectric effects.
- Textile-Based Integration: Incorporates energy harvesting components into fabric for seamless wearability and comfort.
- Textile-Based Diodes for Rectifiers: Enables efficient AC-to-DC conversion for improved energy harvesting performance.
Expected Outcomes
- A functional textile-based wearable prototype.
- Improved efficiency in energy conversion through optimized RF and TENG integration.
Contact: Dr. Muhammad Zada