Browse Topic: Energy harvesting

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RESEARCH OF THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRATION INTO ARMOR ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SPINTRONIC MICROWAVE DETECTORS2024-01-333411/15/2024
ABSTRACT The authors studied the effects of different types of armor on the performance of spin-torque microwave detectors (STMD). Working prototypes of novel nano-sized spintronic sensors of microwave radiation for battlefield anti-radar and wireless communications applications are being integrated into Sensor Enhanced Armor (SEA) and Multifunctional Armor (MFA) and tested in SEA-NDE Lab at TARDEC. The preliminary theoretical estimations have shown that STMD based on the spin-torque effect in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ), when placed in the external electromagnetic field of a microwave frequency, can work as diode detectors with the maximum theoretical sensitivity of 1000 V/W. These STNO detectors could be scaled to sub-micron size, are frequency-selective and tunable, and are tolerant to ionizing radiation. We studied the performance of a STMD in two different dynamical regimes of detector operation: in well-known traditional in-plane regime of STMD operation and in recently discovered novel out-of-plane regime.
Bankowski, Elena, Meitzler, Thomas, Pesys, Tomas
testprint9SAE-PP-010034/27/2022
testprint9
Mutagaana, Festo
preprint2SAE-PP-009964/27/2022
preprint2
Mutagaana, Festo
automobile's nviehfSAE-PP-0047610/6/2021
Current automobile's auto-transmission has problems of defects and cost reduction because of welding process and very complicated assembly process due to individualized transmission piston and sealing components. Also, size and heavy weight of transmission piston components are the source of low mileage because they are made of aluminum, steel materia
Mutagaana, Festo
Testing-legacypublishingSAE-PP-003766/22/2021
ajglkwn
SintzUSER, Jeneane
6.0.120 - Investigation of the Applicability of Numerical Noise Prediction of an Axial Vehicle Cooling FanSAE-PP-002752/4/2021
This paper focuses on the applicability of numerical prediction of sound radiation caused by an axial vehicle cooling fan. To investigate the applicability of numerical methods, a hybrid approach is chosen where first a CFD simulation is performed and the sound radiation is calculated in a second step. For the acoustic simulation an integral method described by Ffowcs-Williams-Hawkings is used to predict the sound propagation in the far-field. The simulation results are validated with experiments. The corresponding setup in experiments and simulation represents an overall system which includes the cooler, the cooling fan and a combustion engine dummy. To optimize the economical applicability in terms of simulation setup and run time, different approaches are investigated. This includes the simulation of only one blade using a periodic boundary condition as compared to the whole fan geometry. In the CFD simulation an SAS-turbulence-model is applied. The results show that this is a very useful approach considering the challenges in prediction of numerical sound. On the one hand, the turbulence model has to solve small scales which cause sound in high frequency ranges which leads to a small time increment and a high grid resolution. On the other hand, a long simulation time for predicting sound in low frequency ranges is needed. Additional to the sound propagation in the far-field, it is a benefit to be able to localize the acoustic sources with regards to geometrical optimization. For this, the divergence of the Lighthill Tensor is calculated on the CFD grid.
Mutagaana, Festo
A Multi-Resonant Speed Piezoelectric Beam Device for Harvesting Energy from Vehicle Wheels2020-01-12364/14/2020
This work analyzes a cantilevered piezoelectric beam device for harvesting energy from the simultaneous rotation and translational vibration of vehicle wheels. The device attaches to the wheel rim so that it displaces tangentially during operation. A lumped-parameter analytical model for the coupled electromechanical system is derived. The device has one natural frequency that is speed-dependent because of centripetal acceleration affecting the total stiffness of the device. Even though the device has one natural frequency, it experiences three resonances as the rotation speed varies. One resonance occurs when the rotation speed coincides with the speed-dependent natural frequency of the device. The other two resonances are associated with excitations from the vibration of the vehicle wheel. The device’s parameters are chosen so that these three resonances occur when the wheel travels near 30 mph, 55 mph, and 70 mph. There are two excitation frequencies that give these resonant speeds, and both choices differ from the conventional selection of the device’s natural frequency to match the excitation frequency. Instead, the device’s natural frequency must be either above or below the natural frequency for these resonances to occur at the intended speeds. The maximum energy harvested by the device is more than 45 milliwatts at each resonance. The speed bandwidths are quantified near each resonance, and, even though the resonances are linear, bandwidths of a few mph demonstrate the robustness of the device to changing vehicle speeds. The sensitivity of the power harvested by the device to the input vibration frequency and equivalent resistance of the electrical load is numerically examined. The power harvested by this device is sufficiently large to permit sensing and communication for next generation intelligent tire applications.
Cooley, Christopher
High-Performance, Piezoelectric, Hybrid Synthetic Jet ActuatorsTBMG-361813/1/2020
NASA Langley Research Center has invented three serial high-performance, piezoelectric, hybrid synthetic jet actuators to provide active flow control for current and future wing-borne vehicles in subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow. Effective active flow control results in reduced vehicle drag and the prevention of events that can lead to catastrophic loss.
Bio-Inspired Mechanics to Make Robots More EffectiveTBMG-361913/1/2020
In an effort to make robots more effective and versatile teammates for soldiers in combat, researchers are looking to understand the value of the molecular living functionality of muscle and the fundamental mechanics that would need to be replicated in order to artificially achieve the capabilities arising from the proteins responsible for muscle contraction.
Calculating Electrical Requirements for Direct Current Electric ActuatorsTBMG-360622/1/2020
Servo control systems require accurate control of motion parameters such as acceleration, velocity, and position. This requires a controller that can apply current (torque) to accelerate a motor in a given direction, as well as provide an opposing current to decelerate it. When this application of aiding and opposing torque can be carried out in both directions, it is referred to as four quadrant motor control (Figure 1).
Energy Harvesting for Soft-Matter Machines and Electronics20AERP02_122/1/2020
A new class of soft multifunctional materials could be used to convert mechanical deformation from vibrations and stretching into electrical energy. Air Force Research Laboratory, Arlington, Virginia Air Force (AF) materials capable of dramatic changes in shape and rigidity require soft-matter electronics that support functionality without interfering with the mechanics of the host structure. This program introduced a new class of soft, multifunctional materials that can be used to power these systems by converting elastic strain energy from large deformations into electricity. These materials are composed of soft elastomers embedded with a suspension of liquid metal (LM) droplets that control the electrical properties of the composite. Depending on their composition and microstructure, these LM-embedded elastomers (LMEEs) can be tailored to exhibit exceptionally high electric conductivity, electric permittivity, and/or thermal conductivity. LMEEs with high permittivity can function as high-k dielectrics for storing and harvesting electrostatic energy. When integrated with an elastically deformable AF structure, they have the potential to generate electricity as the host structure stretches, twists, or bends under external loading. This external loading may arise from air drag, wind, ambient vibrations, collisions, etc. and represents mechanical work that would be otherwise dissipated through damping.
Energy Harvesting for Soft-Matter Machines and ElectronicsTBMG-360592/1/2020
Air Force (AF) materials capable of dramatic changes in shape and rigidity require soft-matter electronics that support functionality without interfering with the mechanics of the host structure. This program introduced a new class of soft, multifunctional materials that can be used to power these systems by converting elastic strain energy from large deformations into electricity. These materials are composed of soft elastomers embedded with a suspension of liquid metal (LM) droplets that control the electrical properties of the composite.
Aerospace & Defense Technology: February 202020AERP021/30/2020
Rad-Hard Microelectronics for Space Applications Outsourcing Plasma Treatments for Surface Modification Adding Context to Full-Motion Video for Improved Surveillance and Situational Awareness Implementing an Aerospace Factory of the Future 90° Hybrid Coupled Power Amplifier - Pros and Cons A New Network Design for the "Internet from Space" Future Advances in Electronic Materials and Processes - Flexible Hybrid Electronics Despite progress being made, there are still significant obstacles to the manufacture and use of flexi-ble hybrid electronics in military applications. Heterogeneous Integration Technology Integrating different types of devices and materials could increase their functional density, improving the performance of electro-optic systems for sensor applications. The Impact of Cyber Cameras on the Intelligence Community The ability to covertly access and manipulate cyber cameras could provide valuable strategic data for the US intelligence community. Calculating Electrical Requirements for Direct Current Electric Actuators When designing electro-mechanically actuated systems, there are several electrical design requirements that must be determined. Weyl Semimetals (WSM) for Electronics Applications New synthesized materials open the way to govern the density of helicity, axial charge, and its flow, axial current. Energy Harvesting for Soft-Matter Machines and Electronics A new class of soft multifunctional materials could be used to convert mechanical deformation from vibrations and stretching into electrical energy. Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Common Aircraft Electrical Materials Study aims to find a suitable decontaminant/disinfectant/sanitizer that can be used successfully in complex transportation vehicles with no negative impact on sensitive electronic equipment.
Ruthenium-Doped Thermoelectric MaterialsTBMG-358061/1/2020
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have developed a novel thermoelectric material that raises the bar for solid-state power conversion devices. There is growing momentum in the aerospace and automotive industries to harvest energy from heat (such as exhaust from combustion) but advances have been hampered by the lack of environmental durability and performance levels of thermoelectric materials currently in use. Glenn's breakthrough material is a ruthenium-doped gadolinium orthotantalate that excels at directly converting heat into energy. More importantly, this material does not break down at higher temperatures or air environments, even without special coatings or inert packaging. Glenn's material enables designers to make great strides in developing solid-state power conversion devices for applications in aerospace, automotive, and power-generation industries.
Wireless Sensor “Stickers” Track Physiological SignalsTBMG-358231/1/2020
Engineers have developed a way to detect physiological signals emanating from the skin with sticky sensors that beam wireless readings to a receiver clipped onto clothing. To demonstrate the wearable technology, the researchers stuck sensors to the wrist and abdomen of a test subject to monitor the person's pulse and respiration by detecting how their skin stretched and contracted with each heartbeat or breath. Likewise, stickers on the person's elbows and knees tracked arm and leg motions by gauging the minute tightening or relaxation of the skin each time the corresponding muscle flexed.
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase ProteinsTBMG-358121/1/2020
Long-duration missions to planetary bodies and deep space will require new technological developments that support human habitation in transit and on distant bodies. Microorganisms are unique from the standpoint that they can be employed as self-replicating bio-factories to produce both native and engineered mission-relevant bio-products. Methane (CH4) usage in In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) platforms has been discussed previously for human exploration and has been proposed to be used in physicochemical systems as a propulsion fuel, supply gas, and in fuel cells.
Photovoltaic-Powered SensorsTBMG-3571412/1/2019
Internet of Things devices require batteries that must be replaced frequently, which can be problematic for long-term monitoring. Photovoltaic-powered sensors were developed that could potentially transmit data for years before they need to be replaced. Thin-film perovskite cells — known for their potential low cost, flexibility, and relative ease of fabrication — were mounted as energy-harvesters on inexpensive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.
Device Creates Electricity from SnowfallTBMG-3571212/1/2019
Researchers have designed a device that creates electricity from falling snow. The device is inexpensive, small, thin, and flexible like a sheet of plastic. It can work in remote areas because it provides its own power and does not need batteries. The device is also a weather station that can tell how much snow is falling, the direction the snow is falling, and the direction and speed of the wind.
Ultra-Thin Layers of Rust Generate Electricity from Flowing WaterTBMG-3572212/1/2019
Research shows that thin films of rust (iron oxide) can generate electricity when saltwater flows over them. These films represent an entirely new way of generating electricity and could be used to develop new forms of sustainable power production.
Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) ActuatorTBMG-3572412/1/2019
The Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator is a low-cost piezoelectric device designed for controlling vibration, noise, and deflections in composite structural beams and panels. It is an encapsulated, high-performance, in-plane, piezoelectric fiber composite strain device that consists of rectangular piezoelectric fibers sandwiched between layers of adhesive and electrode polyimide film.
Washable Sensor Can Be Woven Into MaterialsTBMG-3572612/1/2019
A low-cost sensor was developed that can be interlaced into textiles and composite materials, paving the way for smart clothing that can monitor human movement. The embedded microscopic sensor is able to recognize local motion through the stretching of woven yarns treated with graphene nanoplatelets that can read the body's activity.
Battery-Free Sensor for Underwater UseTBMG-3544311/1/2019
To investigate oceans, researchers aim to build a submerged network of interconnected sensors that sends data to the surface. Supplying constant power to scores of sensors designed to stay for long durations underwater has been a major problem.
5 Ws of the E-Tattoo for Heart MonitoringTBMG-3543411/1/2019
Anyone suffering from heart disease or other heart ailments that require regular heart monitoring. The new wearable technology could make heart health monitoring easier and more accurate than existing electrocardiograph machines — a technology that has changed little in almost a century.
Motion-Powered, Fireproof SensorTBMG-3543111/1/2019
Researchers have created a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters, steelworkers, miners, and others who work in high-risk environments where they cannot always be seen. The sensor alerts someone outside if the movement ceases.
2019 'Create the Future' Sustainable Technologies Category Winner: Wave-Powered Water DesalinationTBMG-3544911/1/2019
Thin Nylon Films for Transparent Electronic DevicesTBMG-3525510/1/2019
Very thin nylon films were created that can be used in electronic memory components. The films are several hundreds of times thinner than a human hair and could be used in bendable electronic devices or for electronics in clothing.
Energy Harvesting for Smart Home SensingTBMG-351999/1/2019
Many industries — whether electronics, consumer, or semiconductor — have a clear vision of the future of the connected smart home. While there are many use cases and some elements such as smart speakers and smart lighting that are already starting to take off, the full significance of a “smart home” may not be clear to the average consumer. The key to acceptance and adoption will be enhancing total ease of ownership — IoT elements need to be easy to install, use, understand, and maintain, all in an environmentally-sound way. One critical element in making these devices easy for homeowners to use is advanced sensor technology that draws little power or even harvests its own energy to run.
Shape-Shifting Origami Could Help Antenna Systems Adapt On-the-Fly19AERP09_059/1/2019
Conventional reconfigurable electrical and radio frequency (RF) structures commonly used in applications involving real-time reconfigurability in response to fast varying operational scenarios require specialized substrates or complex electrical circuits. Origami-based RF reconfigurable components and modules offer a solution with unique properties. First, they enable reconfigurability over continuous-state ranges (as opposed to discrete states). Second, they do not require specialized mechanical support for multilayer frequency-selective surface structures. Moreover, deployable origami-based RF structures can achieve large surface reconfigurability ratios from folded to unfolded states. Finally, these structures allow for independent control of multiple figures of merit: bandwidth, frequency of operation, and angle of incidence. The tremendous increase in the number of components in typical electrical and communication modules requires low-cost, flexible, and multifunctional sensing, energy harvesting, and communication modules that can readily reconfigure, depending on changes in their environment. Current subtractive manufacturing-based reconfigurable systems offer limited flexibility (limited finite number of discrete reconfiguration states) and have high fabrication cost and time requirements.
Harvesting Energy from the Human KneeTBMG-350979/1/2019
An energy harvester attached to the wearer’s knee can generate 1.6 μW of power while the wearer walks without any increase in effort. The energy is enough to power small electronics like health monitoring equipment.
Shape-Shifting Origami Could Help Antenna Systems Adapt On-the-FlyTBMG-351079/1/2019
Conventional reconfigurable electrical and radio frequency (RF) structures commonly used in applications involving real-time reconfigurability in response to fast varying operational scenarios require specialized substrates or complex electrical circuits. Origami-based RF reconfigurable components and modules offer a solution with unique properties. First, they enable re-configurability over continuous-state ranges (as opposed to discrete states). Second, they do not require specialized mechanical support for multilayer frequency-selective surface structures. Moreover, deployable origami-based RF structures can achieve large surface re-configurability ratios from folded to unfolded states. Finally, these structures allow for independent control of multiple figures of merit: bandwidth, frequency of operation, and angle of incidence.
Wearable Liquid Unit Harvests EnergyTBMG-349338/1/2019
Researchers have created wearable technology to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. It presents a step toward the practical realization of self-powered, human-integrated technologies.
A Sensor that Fits Like a GloveTBMG-345896/1/2019
We recently had a discussion with Sri Peruvemba, VP of Strategy at BeBop Sensors (Berkeley, CA), about the technology and applications for their two-dimensional fabric sensor material. I started by asking Sri about the unusual name for the company.
Self-Powered Wearable TechTBMG-345606/1/2019
Researchers have created highly stretchable supercapacitors for powering wearable electronics. The newly developed supercapacitor has demonstrated solid performance and stability, even when it is stretched to 800 percent of its original size for thousands of stretching/relaxing cycles.
Sensors Expo Preview 2019TBMG-345846/1/2019
The 2019 Sensors Expo and Conference will be held at the McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA from June 25 – 27. Both the expo and conference are excellent opportunities to get a good sense of important sensor trends. Among the wide variety of themes at the conference, some strike me as being very significant for the current state of the industry.
5 Ws of the Heart Energy HarvesterTBMG-341604/1/2019
Millions of people who rely on pacemakers, defibrillators, and other livesaving implantable devices powered by batteries that need to be replaced every five to 10 years.
Process Developed to 3D Print Piezoelectric MaterialsTBMG-340223/1/2019
The piezoelectric materials that inhabit everything from our cell phones to musical greeting cards may be getting an upgrade thanks to work discussed in the journal Nature Materials. Xiaoyu “Rayne” Zheng, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering and a member of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, and his team have developed methods to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom designed to convert movement, impact, and stress from any directions to electrical energy.
5 Ws of 3D-Printing Piezoelectric MaterialsTBMG-339203/1/2019
Piezoelectric materials are used in everything from cellphones and wearables, to robotics, energy harvesting, and tactile sensors.
Smart Knee Implants Could Reduce Number of Knee Replacement SurgeriesTBMG-339853/1/2019
Smart knee implants may soon be a reality thanks to research done by Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, and the University of Western Ontario.
Smart Sensor Technology for the IoTTBMG-3321211/1/2018
Internet of Things (IoT) applications — whether for city infrastructures, factories, or wearable devices — use large arrays of sensors collecting data for transmission over the Internet to a central, cloud-based computing resource. Analytics software running on the cloud computers reduces the huge volumes of generated data into actionable information for users, and commands to actuators back out in the field.
Idaho National LaboratoryTBMG-3310510/1/2018
In 1951, the first nuclear reactor in Idaho was built, starting a legacy at what is now Idaho National Laboratory (INL). INL is the site where 52 pioneering nuclear reactors were designed and constructed, including the first reactor to generate usable amounts of electricity. It was here that nuclear-generated electricity first powered an American community.
Q&A: Dr. André D. Taylor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Dept., New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NYTBMG-328569/1/2018
An international team of university researchers, led by Dr. Taylor, reports solving a major fabrication challenge for perovskite cells — the intriguing potential challengers to silicon-based solar cells. These crystalline structures show great promise because they can absorb almost all wavelengths of light. Perovskite solar cells are already commercialized on a small scale, but recent vast improvements in their power conversion efficiency are driving interest in using them as low-cost alternatives for solar panels.
Solar PV and Lithium-Ion Battery Hybrids for the IIoT — A User's GuideTBMG-328659/1/2018
Hybrid solutions that combine small photovoltaic (PV) panels with industrial grade rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries provide long-term power for remote wireless devices connected to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In this article we outline key factors to consider for implementing them.
Ingestible Sensors Powered by Stomach AcidTBMG-325078/1/2018
A small voltaic cell was developed that is sustained by the acidic fluids in the stomach. The system can generate enough power to run small sensors or drug delivery devices that can reside in the gastrointestinal tract for extended periods of time. This type of power could offer a safer and lower-cost alternative to the traditional batteries now used to power such devices. This work could lead to a new generation of electronic ingestible pills that could someday enable novel ways of monitoring patient health and/or treating disease.
Near-Zero-Power Temperature SensorTBMG-296847/1/2018
A temperature sensor was developed that runs on 113 picowatts of power — about 10 billion times smaller than a Watt. The technology could enable devices that can be powered by harvesting energy from low-power sources, such as the body or the surrounding environment. Potentially, the system could run for years on a tiny battery.
Sensors Expo PreviewTBMG-290066/1/2018
The 2018 Sensors Expo and Conference will be held at the McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA from June 26 – 28. It is an opportunity to catch up on the latest trends and products in this increasingly important technology sector. Major themes of the event include IoT, maximizing the usefulness of raw data, and improving sensors’ energy efficiency. These areas are closely related. The essence of the IoT is sharing information among devices and humans: information is derived from data, which is derived from sensors. Without information from sensors there would be no IoT. Since sensors are critical, it is important that they function for as long as possible without needing power sources, such as batteries, to be replaced. These are the themes of the Pre-Conference Symposia and a majority of the technical conference tracks.
Products of Tomorrow: June 2018TBMG-290436/1/2018
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
A High(er)-Definition Nose Sensor Could Improve Sensors that SniffTBMG-290146/1/2018
Sensors that sniff out chemicals in the air to warn us about everything from fires to carbon monoxide to drunk drivers to explosive devices hidden in luggage have improved so much that they can even detect diseases on a person’s breath. Researchers from Drexel University and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have made a discovery that could make our best “chemical noses” even more sensitive.
Industrial Rotary Encoders: Selecting the Right Device for Your ApplicationTBMG-288114/1/2018
Rotary encoders play important roles in motion control and industrial automation systems, providing control systems with information about the motion of motor shafts, pulleys, robot arms, etc. There are many variants available — some familiar and some highly innovative.
Near-Zero-Power Temperature SensorTBMG-285303/1/2018
A temperature sensor was developed that runs on 113 picowatts of power — about 10 billion times smaller than a Watt. The technology could enable devices that can be powered by harvesting energy from low-power sources, such as the body or the surrounding environment. Potentially, the system could run for years on a tiny battery.
Electrical Requirements for Direct Current Electric ActuatorsTBMG-283432/1/2018
Servo control systems require accurate control of motion parameters such as acceleration, velocity, and position. This requires a controller that can apply current (torque) to accelerate a motor in a given direction, as well as provide an opposing current to decelerate it. When this application of aiding and opposing torque can be carried out in both directions, it is referred to as four-quadrant motor control (Figure 1).
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