Innovative shoes generate power
www.kaajakari.net In the future a shoe might contain an internal power generatorAssistant professor at Louisiana Tech University, Ville Kaajakari has developed new technology, which generates energy with a generator installed on the shoe heel. The news was published in the Finnish online magazine CO2-raportti.
Kaajakari's innovation is based on a new voltage regulation circuit which can convert a piezoelectric charge effectively into usable voltage, which can be used for recharging batteries, or directly for the operation electronic devices.
- This technology can help particularly those who love to exercise outdoors and other people, who require geographic positioning systems or emergency help. Generally speaking, anyone, who uses portable electronic devices can become free from toxic single use batteries or recharging batteries on mains, says Kaajakari.
The research results were published in the MEMS Investor Journal -magazine focusing on MEMS and smart devices.
Kaajakari's invention relies on a low-cost polymer transducer, which has metalized surfaces for electrical contact. Different from traditional ceramic transducers, the polymer transducer is soft and durable. The qualities of the transducer correspond to an ordinary shoe heel, which means that it can be installed on the sole without reducing the user-friendliness of the shoe.
- Our ultimate aim is to create a shoe power generator, which can recharge any portable device.
www.co2-raportti.fi
www.kaajakari.net
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