Energy Harvesting from Human Biomechanical Energy for Health-monitoring Devices

ABSTRACT

Conversion of human biomechanical energy into electrical form leads to the development of triboelectric nano-generator (TENG) for the operation of low-power health-monitoring devices. Here, we report a self-powered energy conversion system for sustainable operation of health-monitoring devices consisting of a TENG, an ac–dc converter, and a buck converter. The portable TENG comprising films of polytetrafluoroethylene, Mylar, and aluminium converts rotational motion into useful electricity. We have demonstrated the use of TENG as a power source for health-monitoring devices such as pulse rate monitor and thermometer. It is also capable of measuring the speed of cycling using an odometer and moisture content in the atmosphere using a hygrometer. The maximum energy is found to be 1269 µJ/cm³ across a 1000 µf capacitor. Also, the maximum power across a 2 MΩ resistor is 240 µW. Such portable systems can act as a power source by harvesting human biomechanical energy while cycling for low-power electronics useful for medical diagnostics and fitness monitoring.

KEYWORDS:

• Energy harvesting
• Buck converter
• TENG
• Health monitoring
• Skin temperature
• Pulse rate

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Parul Chaudhary

Parul Chaudhary received the BE and MTech degree (with honors) in electronics and communication engineering from the Maharashi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 2009 and 2011, respectively. She is currently working as Assistant Professor in Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology (GGSIP University) Delhi, India. Her research interests include design and analysis of various energy harvesting techniques and renewable energy systems. Email: [email protected]

Puneet Azad

Puneet Azad received the PhD degree from Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida (UP), India, and ME degree from Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, India. He is presently the Head of Department and Associate Professor in Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering in Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology (GGSIP University), New Delhi, India. His research interests are energy harvesting using different techniques, power electronics and their applications.