The scientists at Cornell University claim to have developed sensors that can overcome problems related to movement. These sensors that were developed working with MicroGen Systems Inc. and can operate in anything that spins, rolls, jiggles or shakes, from car tires to clothing dryers.
The best part is that the vibration that acts on the sensors can actually generate current to run it. So now car sensors and instruments will be able to garner power from road vibrations as a car moves for example. In other words they will no longer be dependent on the power of the car battery or motor to run.
These battery free sensors could revolutionize car gadgets and would be particularly useful in electric vehicles where gadgets and gizmos are major drain on the battery power available.
The sensor is powered by a tiny sheet of piezoelectric material that makes electricity when mounted on a shock-resistant base when it is flexed. The prototype device, about the size of a small coin, generates up to 200 microwatts.
With smaller circuits needing less power the device will be able to power various instruments of different uses. The new energy harvesting technology is already interesting companies that can use it to their advantage.