Abstract: A piezoelectric power generating device that includes a piezoelectric element having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a stopper, and a lever. The stopper has a first contact surface that is in contact with the first surface. The lever includes a contact portion, which includes a second contact surface that is in contact with the second surface, and a displacement portion. The lever is arranged in such a manner as to be rotatable relative to the stopper around a rotation axis such that the second contact surface presses the second surface when the displacement portion rotates relative to the stopper around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A pavement interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, includes: at least one layer of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line, coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output.

Abstract: A textile-based stretchable energy generator is provided. The energy generator includes: flexible and stretchable first and second electrode substrates; and an energy generation layer, which is provided between the first and second electrode substrates and includes a dielectric elastomer for generating electrical energy from a transformation thereof.

Abstract: An energy harvester including first and second sheets; and a plurality of walls, each wall being sandwiched between the first and second sheets and surrounding a cavity, wherein each cavity houses at least one curved plate adapted to change from a first shape to a second shape when its temperature reaches a first threshold and to return to the first shape when its temperature falls to a second threshold lower than said first threshold.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator including a resonator having a first weight member supported on a base member by a spring; a second weight member; and a generating device having a vibrating plate with a piezoelectric element attached to a surface thereof. Further, the vibrating plate has one end secured to the first weight member and the other end being a free end attached to the second weight member. The generating device is capable of bending and vibrating in an up-and-down direction, such that the first weight member can swing at a predetermined frequency about an axis perpendicular to a bending vibration plane of the generating device.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus may be a mobile device. The mobile device receives a first mechanical force applied to at least one region on the mobile device, performs a function unrelated to energy conversion in response to the first mechanical force, receives a second mechanical force applied to the at least one region on the mobile device, converts the second mechanical force into electrical energy using at least one piezoelectric element, and powers at least one component of the mobile device using the electrical energy.

Abstract: A power-generating system includes a heat source having a temperature that goes up and down over time; a first device that undergoes electric polarization due to a temperature change of the heat source; and a second device that takes out an electric power from the first device.

Abstract: Flexible pipe liner harvests energy from pressure fluctuations of a fluid in a pipe and converts it to electricity to power local sensors or other equipment. Pipe may be a pipeline for carrying water, sewage, or oil; or may be an open-ended segment suspended in a body of water. Pipe liner also serves to reinforce or repair a pipeline and is constructed of conventional materials.

Abstract: Provided is a colloidal damper capable of harvesting electrical energy—that is, practical electrical power—from mechanical energy acting from the outside. This colloidal damper has: a cylinder; a piston which is guided and supported so as to reciprocate freely within this cylinder, and which combines with the cylinder to form a sealed space; a porous body having many pores and housed within the sealed space; an operating fluid which is housed together with the porous body in the sealed space and flows into the pores of the porous body when pressure is applied, and flows out from the pores of the porous body when the pressure is reduced; and a piezoelectric element installed in the sealed space.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator that includes a first elastic body, which deforms along a first direction x upon receiving a stress, and a piezoelectric power-generating element. A second elastic body is arranged on a y1 side of the first elastic body and a piezoelectric element is fixed to a y1-side surface of the second elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is concave toward the y1 side, the second elastic body receives a stress from the first elastic body. When the first elastic body bends into a shape that is convex toward the y1 side, the second elastic body does not receive a stress from the first elastic body. The piezoelectric power generator further includes a vibration suppressing member that is arranged between the first elastic body and the second elastic body and suppresses bending mode vibration of the second elastic body.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element layer is further formed as a package material of a secondary battery, so that the secondary battery can be self-charged using a voltage generated in the piezoelectric element layer according to vibration generated in an electronic device and vibration generated by movement of the electronic device itself. The secondary battery includes a battery case that accommodates an electrode assembly, the battery case having an outer coating layer and a piezoelectric element layer formed on an inner surface of the outer coating layer, and a protection circuit module mounted to an outside of the battery case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. In the secondary battery, a voltage storage is provided to the protection circuit module, and the piezoelectric element layer converts absorbed vibration into voltage and then stores the voltage in the voltage storage so that the secondary battery is self-charged as occasion demands.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a deforming member adapted to deform while switching a deformation direction, a piezoelectric device provided to the deforming member, a displacement detection section adapted to detect that the deforming member is displaced beyond a predetermined level, an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric device, a switch disposed between the piezoelectric device and the inductor, and a control section adapted to set the piezoelectric device and the inductor to an electrically conductive state via the switch if the displacement detection section detects that the deforming member is displaced beyond the predetermined level.

Abstract: A flexible electrical circuit such as for use in a hard disk drive dual stage actuated (DSA) suspension has a dimple or other raised feature such as a jog formed in an electrical contact pad. The dimple raises up at least part of the contact pad in height so as to reduce the distance that an electrical bridging component or material such conductive epoxy, solder paste, or jet dispensed solder must traverse in order to complete an electrical connection from the contact pad to an adjacent piezoelectric microactuator or other electrical component for which the electrical circuit carries an electrical signal or electrical power. The reduced distance improves the cleanliness and reliability of the electrical and physical bond, and can allow for electrical connection types that would otherwise be impractical.

Abstract: A screen sounder includes a housing having a front case, a screen supported by the front case, a piezoelectric module mounted with the screen for driving the screen to generate sound or converting vibration of the screen into electric energy, an audio signal source electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for driving the piezoelectric module to vibrate, a rechargeable module electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for receiving the electric energy, and a switching control unit electrically connecting with the piezoelectric module for switching the electrical connections between the audio signal source, the rechargeable module and the piezoelectric module.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a radiation sensor having one or more radiation sensors and an on-board power harvester.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device utilizing a monolithic, mesoscale, single-degree-of-freedom inertial based resonator in which the support structure, beam-spring, and proof mass are a single component without joints, bonds, or fasteners. Frequency tuning features include holes in the proof mass in which mass can be added to change the devices resonance frequency as well as levers which add curvature to the beam-spring system and adjust system stiffness. Robustness is increase by designing the resonator to exhibit nonlinear behavior such that its power density is maximized for low vibration amplitudes and minimized for high amplitudes. The device structural resonance modes are designed to be much higher than the resonators proof mass-spring resonance frequency. Electromechanical transducers are used to convert the resonators mechanical energy to electrical energy. Electrical circuitry is included to extract and condition the electrical charge.

Abstract: A pressure sensor element includes a substrate, a first type of semiconductor material layer and an array of elongated light-emitting piezoelectric nanostructures extending upwardly from the first type of semiconductor material layer. A p-n junction is formed between each nanostructure and the first type semiconductor layer. An insulative resilient medium layer is infused around each of the elongated light-emitting piezoelectric nanostructures. A transparent planar electrode, disposed on the resilient medium layer, is electrically coupled to the top of each nanostructure. A voltage source is coupled to the first type of semiconductor material layer and the transparent planar electrode and applies a biasing voltage across each of the nanostructures. Each nanostructure emits light in an intensity that is proportional to an amount of compressive strain applied thereto.

Abstract: This invention is a method, device, and system to provide respiratory assistance to people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), or other respiratory conditions, comprising harvesting and storing energy from gas outflow during exhalation and using that stored energy to increase gas inflow during inhalation. In an example, this invention may provide Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) or Continuous positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This invention can be embodied in a self-contained energy-harvesting positive airway pressure mask, nasal inserts, or mouth appliance. This invention offers a combination of the following five benefits for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment: minimally-invasive; energy self-sufficient; freedom of movement; hypercapnia avoidance; and adjustable energy harvesting over multiple respiratory cycles.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic energy converter for converting heat energy to electricity includes an annular resonator with a regenerator disposed therein. An electro-mechanical transducer is coupled to the annular resonator and in fluid communication with the working fluid. When heat is applied to one end of the annular resonator, a traveling acoustic wave is generated in the annular resonator causing vibrations in the working fluid that actuate the electro-mechanical transducer to generate electricity.

Abstract: Provided are a nano piezoelectric device and a method of forming the nano piezoelectric device. The nano piezoelectric device includes a lower electrode, a nanowire extending upward from the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the nanowire. The nanowire includes a conductive wire core and a wire shell surrounding the wire core and including a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a thin film fabrication of a rubber material with piezoelectric characteristics and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention is developed by utilizing polymer casting, multilayer stacking, surface coating, and micro plasma discharge processes. To realize the desired electromechanical sensitivity, cellular PDMS structures with micrometer-sized voids are implanted with bipolar charges on the opposite inner surfaces. The implanted charge pairs function as dipoles, which respond promptly to diverse electromechanical simulation.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device using auxetic materials includes a first auxetic conductive electrode layer. A second auxetic conductive electrode layer is associated with the first auxetic conductive electrode layer. The auxetic conductive electrode layers have negative Poisson ratios. At least one dielectric elastomer layer is associated in layered orientation between the first and second auxetic conductive electrode layers.

Abstract: A transaction card comprises a substrate having an IC. An interface is coupled to the IC for signal transmission; a security code generator is coupled with the IC to generate a security code for banking transaction; an electricity generating button is coupled to the security code generator to generate the security code, a display is on the substrate and is coupled to the IC for displaying the security code. The electricity generating button includes piezoelectric material to generate electricity by piezoelectricity. The interface is contactless or contact type. The display is electronic paper, OLED, FED.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a beam (a deforming member) having a piezoelectric element and deforming while switching a deformation direction, an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, a switch disposed between the piezoelectric element and the inductor, a memory (a storage section) adapted to store switching period information (information of a characteristic vibration period of the beam), and a control circuit (a control section) adapted to control one of a timing at which the switch is set to a conductive state and a timing at which the switch is set to a nonconductive state in accordance with the switching period information stored in the memory.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an energy harvesting device is provided. The energy harvesting device includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements, each energy harvesting element including a transducer, and at least one spring arranged in between at least two energy harvesting elements of the plurality of energy harvesting elements to mechanically couple the at least two energy harvesting elements to each other. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming an energy harvesting device is also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generation apparatus that includes a first vibrating portion having a fixed end and a free end, a first weight portion bonded to the free end of the first vibrating portion, a second vibrating portion having a fixed end bonded to the first weight portion and a free end, and including a vibrating plate and a piezoelectric element provided on the vibrating plate. A second weight portion is bonded to the free end of the second weight portion. In a state where the piezoelectric power generation apparatus is arranged on a vibration surface and is still, a position of the free end of the first vibrating portion and a position of the fixed end of the second vibrating portion in an axial direction perpendicular to the vibration surface are different from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an energy harvesting mechanism comprising a central conductive element and a plurality of transductive elements. Each transductive element is positioned to be in contact with a corresponding peripheral length segment of the central conductive element. Also each transductive element is deformable in a characteristic radial direction to convert its deformation into a corresponding electrical signal. The plurality of transductive elements are arranged so that any one of the plurality of transductive elements is capable of being deformed in the characteristic radial direction to trigger the corresponding electrical signal. Embodiments of the mechanism can be used for harvesting energy from a variety of bio-kinetic events such as a heartbeat, respiration, muscle contraction or other movement. Such embodiments can be used for powering a variety of implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and various monitoring devices.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes: a first electrode; a piezoelectric body layer which is provided on the first electrode; and a second electrode which is provided on the piezoelectric body layer, the piezoelectric body layer is made of a composite oxide with a perovskite structure, which contains bismuth, barium, iron, titanium, and strontium, and the content of strontium with respect to barium is equal to or greater than 5 mol % and equal to or less than 18 mol %.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing at least one mechanical-electrical energy conversion system including multiple individual parts, and a mechanical-electrical energy conversion, multiple different individual parts are positioned in an assembly device and joined in joining areas assigned to the individual parts in the assembly device, the individual parts including at least one piezoelectric element, one support structure and one seismic mass.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device using auxetic materials includes a first auxetic conductive electrode layer. A second auxetic conductive electrode layer is associated with the first auxetic conductive electrode layer. The auxetic conductive electrode layers have negative Poisson ratios. At least one dielectric elastomer layer is associated in layered orientation between the first and second auxetic conductive electrode layers.

Abstract: A thin film device for harvesting energy from wind. The thin film device includes one or more layers of a compliant piezoelectric material formed from a composite of a polymer and an inorganic material, such as a ceramic. Electrodes are disposed on a first side and a second side of the piezoelectric material. The electrodes are formed from a compliant material, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. The thin film device exhibits improved resistance to structural fatigue upon application of large strains and repeated cyclic loadings.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device (100) comprises a hollow prismatic body (12) formed of a plurality of faces are coated with a piezoelectric layer thereon, a plurality of elongated cantilevers (14) are arranged spatially from each other and inserted through the faces of the hollow prismatic body (12), the elongated cantilevers (14) are coated with a piezoelectric layer thereon, and at least one inner resilient means (16) of a particular stiffness having one end attached the hollow prismatic body (12) and the other end is coupled with a base (18) in order to stabilize the device on its axis. The device (100) is capable of detecting small amounts of environmentally available vibration sources and producing huge vibration to the hollow prismatic body (12) and the cantilevers (14), thereby inducing the device (100) to generate electrical energy that can be stored or used by an exteranl load.

Abstract: The present inventive concept discloses an impact-type piezoelectric micro power generator. The impact-type piezoelectric micro power generator may comprise a base having a cavity and at least one stop area adjacent to the cavity; a frame fastened to the base; a vibrating body comprising a plurality of first vibrating beams extended from the frame toward a top of the cavity, an impact beam connected to between first tips of the plurality of first vibrating beams and extended onto the stop area, and a second vibrating beam extended from the impact beam to between the plurality of first vibrating beams, the second vibrating beam having a second tip; and a piezoelectric device disposed on one of a top and a bottom of the second vibrating beam and the impact beam, the piezoelectric device generating electric power according to impacts of the vibrating body to the stop area and bending of the impact beam and the second vibrating beam.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator using wind power is provided. To elaborate, the piezoelectric power generator has a central axis unit with a charger, a piezoelectric film supporting frame engaged onto an outer circumference surface of the central axis unit, and a piezoelectric film having a pre-set area and at least one side engaged to at least one of one side part of the piezoelectric supporting frame and the central axis unit. In addition, the piezoelectric film supporting frame has a shape corresponding to a shape of an edge of the piezoelectric film to surround the edge of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a driving unit, a wheel and a charging system. The charging system includes an electricity-generating tire and a converting unit. The electricity-generating tire has a tire body mounted on the wheel, and a piezoelectricity generating unit disposed at the tire body and configured to output electricity when the piezoelectricity generating unit is subjected to mechanical forces attributed to movement of the tire body on a ground surface. The converting unit operates to convert the electricity outputted by the piezoelectricity generating unit into a form of energy for storage in an energy storing unit.

Abstract: A power-generating apparatus includes: a deformation member that is provided with a first piezoelectric device and deformed while switching a deformation direction; an amount of deformation detection unit that detects an amount of deformation of the deformation member; a pair of electrodes provided on the first piezoelectric device; a switch provided between the pair of electrodes; and a switch control unit that controls the switch to cause short-circuit between the pair of electrodes for a predetermined period when the amount of deformation is equal to or more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Energy harvesting elements or membranes are provided that use a layer of electrodes with a mixture of carbon nanotubes (CNT). The energy harvesting device of this type can be used as in sensor-based system in which on application of a bending load, the energy harvesting device produces a voltage across the electrodes. The energy harvesting device may include an electrode coating including carbon nanotubes (CNT) substantially homogenously dispersed in epoxy resin system to form a CNT-epoxy electrode coating. The CNT-epoxy electrode can be realized by dispersing about 5% CNT (by weight) in an epoxy-resin system, followed by mixing the system to achieve a near-homogenous dispersion resulting in a CNT-epoxy mixture. The CNT-epoxy mixture can then be uniformly coated on surfaces of a polymer to form electrodes.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a deforming member (a beam) adapted to deform while switching a deformation direction, a first piezoelectric device provided to the deforming member (the beam), a second piezoelectric device provided to the deforming member (the beam), an inductor electrically connected to the first piezoelectric device, a switch disposed between the first piezoelectric device and the inductor, and a control section adapted to detect a voltage generated in the second piezoelectric device, and if the voltage detected has a level one of equal to and higher than a predetermined level, electrically connect the first piezoelectric device and the inductor to each other using the switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lead piezoelectric film having high crystalline orientation, the low dielectric loss, the high polarization-disappear temperature, the high piezoelectric constant, and the high linearity between an applied electric field and an amount of displacement. The present invention is a piezoelectric film comprising: a NaxLa1-x+yNi1-yO3-x layer having only an (001) orientation and a (1-?) (Bi, Na, Ba) TiO3-?BiQO3 layer having only an (001) orientation. The (1-?) (Bi, Na, Ba) TiO3-?BiQO3 layer is formed on the NaxLa1-x+yNi1-yO3-x layer. The character of Q represents Fe, Co, Zn0.5Ti0.5, or Mg0.5Ti0.5 The character of x represents a value of not less than 0.01 and not more than 0.05. The character of y represents a value of not less than 0.05 and not more than 0.20. The character of ? represents a value of not less than 0.20 and not more than 0.50.

Abstract: A timer for measuring a time lapsed during an acceleration is disclosed. The timer may include a piezoelectric sensor, an energy storage device and a measurement module. The piezoelectric sensor includes a piezoelectric material for generating an electric potential in response to the acceleration. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric sensor and is configured for receiving the electric potential generated by the piezoelectric sensor. The measurement module is electrically coupled to the energy storage device. The measurement module measures the electric potential received at the energy storage device and determines the time lapsed during the acceleration based on the electric potential received at the energy storage device.

Abstract: An autonomous intracorporeal capsule comprises a body containing electronic circuits and an energy harvesting module. The energy harvesting module comprises a moveable surface on the body of the capsule, subjected to pressure variations and to produce a mechanical stress under the effect of the pressure variations, and a transducer comprising a deformable piezoelectric component configured as a beam adapted to be forced to bend. The piezoelectric component has a recessed end integral with the capsule and a free end. A mechanical connection couples the free end of the piezoelectric component to the actuator. The mechanical connection may provide a degree of freedom in rotation between a main direction of the beam and the direction of application of the mechanical stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for converting heat energy into mechanical energy comprising a first (4) and a second (6) bistable area passing from a first stable state to a second stable state by means of a thermal effect or mechanical action, said areas (4, 6) being mechanically coupled such that the passage from one state to the other of one area (4, 6) by means of a thermal effect causes the other area (6,4) to pass from one state to the other, each area (4, 6) having a blistering temperature and an unblistering temperature, the blistering temperature being higher than the unblistering temperature. Said device is intended to be placed in contact with an environment (SC) having at least one given temperature, such that the temperature of the environment (SC) is lower than the blistering temperature of the first area (4) and is higher than the blistering temperature (Tc6) of the second area (6).

Abstract: A device able to generate electrical power through relative rotational motion of first (370, 380) and second (200, 230) principal components around an axis of rotation (220); wherein: the first and second principal components comprise an arrangement of piezoelectric elements (380) and permanent magnets (230, 370) such that the interaction between these magnets and piezoelectric elements, in use, makes it possible to generate electricity; and wherein: the second principal component (200, 230) comprises a centre of mass offset from the axis of relative rotation (220) such that the response of the second principal component (200, 230) to either gravitational or inertial forces is a relative rotation of the second principal component (200, 230) in relation to the first principal component (370, 380); the first principal component (370, 380) being fixedly attached to the moving host structure (100).

Abstract: Water movement in shallow waters is used to obtain electrical energy. Some systems use panels (4) that are pivotally mounted (13) near the sea floor in shallow water and that extend up to the sea surface, or that are pivotally mounted above the sea surface and extend down into the sea. Electricity is obtained by stretching and relaxing capacitor devices that each has a sheet (188) of elastomeric material and has electrodes (184, 186) at the sheet opposite faces. In one system, a pair of capacitor devices (180, 182) lie in a cylinder (152) that holds a piston head (160) and the cylinder or the piston head is attached to a float and the other is fixed on the sea floor. Upper and lower ends (190, 194, 197, 199) of the devices are mounted so when one capacitor device is stretched (180B) the other is relaxed (182B).

Abstract: An energy harvester comprising a base; one or more first resilient means mounted on the base; a hollow chamber having a mounting point pivotally attached to the first resilient means; a hollow member enclosed within the hollow chamber being attached to one or more second resilient means extending from the mounting point in static equilibrium such that the center of mass of the hollow member is aligned with the second resilient means at a vertical axis; a plurality of piezoelectric material-built cantilevers mounted on the hollow member; an integrated circuit connecting the hollow chamber, hollow member, and piezoelectric material-built cantilevers with at least one of a primary storage and a device, wherein the energy is harvested through vibration of the plurality of piezoelectric material-built cantilevers at its approximately resonant frequency, reciprocation of the hollow chamber and the hollow member upon application of a force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a process of using the apparatus to generate an electric energy in a crowded place. The apparatus comprises of an array of nanogenerators with a novel composition in a mesh of nanowires specifically piezoelectric nanowires embedded in a thin and transparent tape that may be paste/stick on a floor in a crowded place or a place with heavy traffic. The apparatus generates an electric field by using variations in pressure and surface temperature which is then transferred to a charging/discharging board in the form of an electric energy for later use.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an electrical energy generator includes at least one piezoelectric structure, a semiconductor layer and a contact layer. The at least one piezoelectric structure includes a material having piezoelectric characteristics. One surface of each piezoelectric structure forms a p-n junction with the semiconductor layer. The other end of each piezoelectric structure contacts the contact layer that is formed of a material having metal-insulator transition (MIT) characteristics. The piezoelectric structure may be an elongated member, such as a nanowire.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system for an aircraft includes an energy storage device, and an energy harvesting member electrically connected to the energy storage device and mechanically linked to the aircraft. The energy harvesting member is configured and disposed to generate an electrical energy output in response to one of a change in altitude of, or turbulence on, the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electricity generator having recovery of mechanical vibration energy, including a bistable system suitable for adopting one stable position or another relative to two ends in response to being energized in a predetermined direction (FEXT); at least one monostable oscillating system suitable for periodically engaging with at least one of the two ends, in response to said energizing; and a device for converting the movement of the element of the bistable system into electric power.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a first piezoelectric device having a pair of electrodes, a second piezoelectric device stacked on the first piezoelectric device, a switch electrically connected between the pair of electrodes, a current detection section adapted to detect a current generated in the second piezoelectric device, and a control section adapted to control the switch, and the control section electrically connects the switch for a predetermined period in at least either one of a case in which the current detected by the current detection section reaches a level one of equal to and higher than a first reference value or a case in which the current reaches a level one of equal to and lower than a second reference value.