Distributed Power Systems using Energy Harvesting (DPSEH)
Summary:
Midé has developed an energy-harvesting device that can be used to power other devices such as low-power sensors. The energy harvesting device, called “Volture,” can be attached to any structure that vibrates, and convert or "scavenge" the otherwise wasted mechanical energy radiated by that structure to direct current (DC) electrical energy. The Volture has been tested in laboratory and "real world" conditions and is available as an off-the-shelf device.
Technology Description:
Midé used structurally mounted piezoelectric crystals to harvest the vibrational energy of components, which was then stored in batteries or conditioned to be used as a direct power source for remote sensors and systems. The energy harvesting and battery storage functions were integrated within the structure to optimize the system. The power system can also power the hardware that will transmit the sensor data. Instead of using cantilevered piezoelectric actuators, Midé embedded the piezoelectric materials in polyimides and epoxies, thereby increasing robustness of the system.
MDA Origins:
MDA funded Midé through an SBIR Phase II award to develop distributed power systems using energy harvesting. MDA was interested in developing ways to power remote sensors and other devices, as well as to charge batteries. Midé’s MDA project also was co-funded by Halliburton Energy Services, which has tested Midé’s energy harvesters.
Spinoff Applications:
Among applications for Midé's energy-harvesting technology are health monitoring without cabling, supported by self-powered sensors that can report their own status periodically, self-powered remote sensors for diagnostics (light, humidity, temperature, etc.) and weather applications, emergency telephones and beacons.
Midé received a Phase II SBIR from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a system to monitor freight-train-brake force. The Midé system will provide its own power using a piezoelectric energy harvester, using the train's vibrations to charge its batteries. During braking, the monitoring system will turn itself on, obtain data, and transmit that data wirelessly to a remote central location. This technology is directly applicable to passenger trains, as well. Recent incidents, particularly those involving high-speed passenger trains such as the United States' Acela line, and Japan's Amagasaki rail disaster of 2005, were influenced by faulty braking.
Commercialization:
The current version of the Volture is available with an electronics package that simply rectifies the alternating (AC) output from the piezo elements across a capacitor to provide a variable DC output with load. More advanced electronics have been developed to provide regulated electrical output. Midé views the Volture product as a tool for its customers to characterize piezoelectric energy harvesting for their applications. Volture can be optimized to specifications in terms of maximum power output, minimal mass, or charging a specific battery, supercapacitor or sensor.
Midé also offers QuickPack® and Poweract™ transducers (these are components of Volture) that are easily integrated into products. The QuickPack and PowerAct transducer packages piezoelectric materials in a protective skin with pre-attached electrical leads, producing a highly reliable component with no soldered wires. The QuickPack and PowerAct actuator's protective skin also provides electrical insulation and defense against humidity and contaminants.
Company Profile:
Midé was founded in 1990 by Dr. Marthinus van Schoor, a graduate of MIT, and has since grown to a company of thirty. The company maintains strong ties with MIT's School of Engineering and Sloan School of Management. This relationship enables Midé to remain abreast of the latest technological and management advances and to pass that benefit directly on to the client.
Contact Information:
Mr. Chris Ludlow
Midé Technology Corp
200 Boston Avenue, Suite 1000
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 306-0609
fax: (781) 306-0619
email: cludlow@mide.com
web: www.mide.com
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