Available Kinetic Energy Sources on the Human Body during Sports Activities: A Numerical Approach Based on Accelerometers for Cantilevered Piezoelectric Harvesters

Abstract

Physical activity involves movements, which can be considered sources of kinetic energy, that are expected to be important during sports activities. Several transducers can transform this energy into electrical energy. Piezoelectric generators are widely used, and several applications highlight their relevance. However, the generated output power is location dependent, and the analysis of the placement of this kind of generator can be challenging. In order to assess the availability of kinetic energy sources, an acceleration data analysis method is presented. Temporal and harvester model-based studies, using data from 17 inertial measurement units (IMUs) located across the whole human body, were conducted. The results show that piezoelectric cantilever-beam harvesters can be very sensitive to impacts. Extremity segments, such as the feet or hands, can be considered as good energy sources. The most relevant features are proposed as criteria to easily evaluate the harvestable energy sources.

Advancements in Bio-inspired Self-Powered Wireless Sensors: Materials, Mechanisms, and Biomedical Applications

“…In terms of kinetic energy, the heartbeat, movement of organs, blood flow, and even breathing movements can lead to the release of energy and supply of electricity. Kinetic energy generators, which are divided into two types, piezoelectric and triboelectric, are highly dependent on human physical activities (biophysical activities) . Among the movements of the human body, the movements of the lower limbs such as hips, knees, and ankles produce high biomechanical energy due to the greater torque of these joints compared to joints of the upper body.…”

“…Kinetic energy generators, which are divided into two types, piezoelectric and triboelectric, are highly dependent on human physical activities (biophysical activities). 36 Among the movements of the human body, the movements of the lower limbs such as hips, knees, and ankles produce high biomechanical energy due to the greater torque of these joints compared to joints of the upper body. Since the above movements are repeated periodically while walking, it is possible to continuously harvest energy.…”

Recent Advances in Wearable Sensors for the Monitoring of Sweat: A Comprehensive Tendency Summary

“…The output of energy harvesters is influenced by factors such as the frequency of human movement and the placement of the device. To address this, Hoareau et al [230] proposed a method for determining the optimal placement of cantilevered piezoelectric generators (PEGs). This method uses electromechanical modeling and accelerometer data to identify the optimal power source for cantilevered PEGs.…”

Available Kinetic Energy Sources on the Human Body during Sports Activities: An Optimization Investigation Using Cantilevered Piezoelectric Harvester Model

“…Nevertheless, many parameters such as the harvester structure or location and orientation on the human body must be considered. A previous study has proposed a method to determine the optimal position and orientation of a cantilevered piezoelectric harvester on the human body [2]. To go further, the present contribution explores the influences of harvester dimension.…”