The concept, architecture, and application of piezoelectric nanocomposites amplified by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Acknowledgements: Tohoku University
A team of researchers has innovatively created a gadget capable of converting environmental vibrations into electrical energy, thanks to the usage of piezoelectric composites combined with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The sturdy, high-performance device, coined as C-PVEH, stands as a promising contender for energizing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, signifying progress in energy-saving technologies.
A global collaborative research group has designed a novel device that transforms environmental vibrations into electrical energy by merging piezoelectric composites with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is a widespread, lightweight, yet strong material. This innovative gadget offers an efficient and trustworthy way of powering self-reliant sensors.
The group’s research specifics were documented in the Nano Energy journal, dated June 13, 2023.
The process of energy harvesting converts environmental energy into usable electricity, a fundamental requirement for a sustainable future.
“The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses everyday devices ranging from refrigerators to street lamps, most of which are equipped with sensors that gather data,” states Fumio Narita, the study’s co-author and professor at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies. “However, these IoT devices require power to function, which poses a challenge if they are remotely located or if their quantity is vast.”
Solar radiation, heat, and vibrational energy all have the potential to generate electrical power. Piezoelectric materials can leverage vibrational energy by generating electricity when physically strained. In addition, CFRP, due to its durability and lightweight nature, finds utility in various sectors including aerospace and automotive industries, sports equipment, and medical equipment.
Narita commented, “We contemplated whether a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (PVEH), amalgamating the strength of CFRP with a piezoelectric composite, could offer a more proficient and enduring energy harvesting solution.”
The team engineered the device by mixing potassium sodium niobate (KNN) nanoparticles with epoxy resin and integrating it with CFRP, which functioned as both an electrode and a supportive substrate.
The resultant C-PVEH device met the high expectations. Experimental and simulation data demonstrated its persistent high performance even after undergoing more than 100,000 bends. The device showed its capability to store the generated electricity and power LED lights. Moreover, it surpassed other KNN-based polymer composites in terms of energy output density.
The C-PVEH is poised to accelerate the evolution of self-sustaining IoT sensors, leading to more energy-efficient IoT devices.
Narita and his team also expressed their enthusiasm regarding the technological advancements stemming from their innovation. “Beyond the societal benefits of our C-PVEH device, we are delighted with the advancements we have contributed to the energy harvesting and sensor technology domains. The combination of superior energy output density and high durability can steer future research towards exploring other composite materials for diverse applications.”
Reference: “Energy harvesting and wireless communication by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer-enhanced piezoelectric nanocomposites” by Yaonan Yu, Chao Luo, Hayato Chiba, Yu Shi and Fumio Narita, 13 June 2023, Nano Energy.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108588
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Energy Harvesting
What is the C-PVEH device?
The C-PVEH device is an innovative creation developed by researchers, capable of converting environmental vibrations into electrical energy. This is achieved through the use of piezoelectric composites combined with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. It’s a promising solution for energizing IoT devices.
How does the C-PVEH device work?
The C-PVEH device works by transforming vibrations from the environment into electricity. It utilizes piezoelectric composites and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), a light and strong material, to accomplish this. The device is designed for high efficiency and durability, making it suitable for powering self-sufficient sensors.
What are the applications of the C-PVEH device?
The C-PVEH device holds promising applications in the field of Internet of Things (IoT). It offers an efficient way to power the sensors embedded in IoT devices. This could be especially beneficial for devices located in remote places or when there is a large number of such devices.
What makes the C-PVEH device durable and efficient?
The C-PVEH device’s durability and efficiency stem from its use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and a piezoelectric composite. CFRP is both lightweight and strong, while the piezoelectric composite generates electricity when physically strained, harnessing vibrational energy. Moreover, the device has been tested to maintain high performance even after being bent over 100,000 times.
How does the C-PVEH device contribute to energy-efficient technologies?
The C-PVEH device’s ability to convert environmental vibrations into electricity offers a new way to harvest energy, potentially reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Its design allows it to power IoT sensors self-sufficiently, leading to more energy-efficient IoT devices, and it could guide future research into the use of other composite materials for diverse applications.
More about Energy Harvesting
- Tohoku University
- Piezoelectric Composites
- Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Nano Energy Journal
- Energy Harvesting
6 comments
kudos to the research team. This is the kind of innovation we need, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in energy harvesting. Go green!
wow! a gadget that turns vibrations into electricity? sounds like something straight outta a sci-fi movie!
I wonder how practical this device would be in real-world scenarios. Is it weather-resistant, rustproof? Anyway, great job to the research team!
Huh, I thought piezoelectric materials were mostly used in things like musical pickups and sensors. but this… this is another level altogether. cool.
cnt wait to see how this will shape the IoT industry, imagine your fridges and lamps powered by vibrations, crazy!
This is what I’m talkin bout!!! More of these kinda inventions please… we got to save our planet guys.