Nonlinear dynamics, materials and integrated devices for energy harvesting in wearable sensors

Abstract

Several kinds of energy are available in the environment such as sunlight power, thermal gradients, wind, rain, tides, acoustic, and mechanical vibrations. This energy can be exploited to power electronic devices by means of suitable conversion mechanisms. Specifically, in the case of wearable device the need for onsite energy production emerges for the sake of both battery recharge and powering of sensors and electronics. In this chapter a review of power harvesting methodology is presented along with two examples of devices implementing advanced energy harvesting. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.