Vibration packs aim to replace batteries for gadgets
By Michael Fitzpatrick
Technology reporter
The device works on a similar principle to a dynamo
A Japanese electronics firm has shown off a vibration-harvesting generator that could replace standard batteries.
The Vibration Energy Cell batteries deliver power after a vigorous shake
Brother Industries, better known for its line of printers,
claims the devices could be used in place of AA or AAA batteries for
some applications.
At an event in Tokyo, the firm showed the device powering a TV remote control, a remote switch for a lamp and an LED torch.
The mechanism works similarly to that of a bicycle light
dynamo, only in this instance movement from a few shakes provides the
energy to power.
Good vibes power tiny generatorA step closer to self-powered kit
"Our Vibration Energy Cells generate electricity using a coil, a
magnet, and condenser that charges electricity. These are all embedded
in the battery," a Brother spokesman told BBC News.
"Because of its low output this type of cell is designed to
be used for things such as TV remote controls and LED devices, which
consume low power and do not consume electrical power continuously."
The idea behind the technology is to remove the need for toxic
rechargeable batteries and other disposable batteries that can harm the
environment, said the company.
So far, two of the AA sized prototypes developed produce a
voltage of 3.2V or lower, which is just enough to charge low power
consumption device such as TV remote controls.
“Start Quote
It does not matter how long you shake it. It depends on the number of shakes, and how you shake.”
End QuoteSpokesperson
Brother
Despite the low power, Carl Telford an analyst at
electronics business consultants Strategic Business Insights, says the
batteries are a significant break through with much potential.
"It's great because they will work OK in a low-power
application for AA batteries that one can shake without breaking; a
remote control, for example," he told BBC News.
"Of its size, it is small, compact, and directly compatible
with existing power sources. Brother says that it can produce enough
power at reasonably low frequencies, around 4-8Hz - this is impressive.
"Walking with a device in your pocket would vibrate with a
frequency of around 2Hz. You'd need to shake the remote quite briskly,
but it would work."
Other researchers are also working on motion-generated and
alternative power for gadgets and electronics in the hope of making them
self-sufficient.
Amongst others, American company TenXsys Inc. is now
developing its Kinetic Energy Scavenging technology for various
application including those for the military.
And UK mobile operator Orange recently revealed its Power
Wellies, created in collaboration with renewable energy experts GotWind.
There are no plans to commercialise the technology
Using a "power generating sole" the boots convert heat from the wearer's feet into an electrical current.
This "welectricity" can then be used to re-charge a mobile
phone. Twelve hours of stomping in the Orange Power Wellies will give
enough power to charge a mobile phone for one hour, according to the
company.
Brother claims no such effort is needed to power its batteries.
A TV remote control would require a power-inducing shake after 10-30 button presses says Brother.
"It does not matter how long you shake it. It depends on the
number of shakes, and how you shake. It varies depending on the force -
long swing or short swing or speed of swing, etc - you put in to shake
the remote," the spokesman said.
There are no plans to commercialise the batteries as yet, according to Brother.
"Currently the cells are still in the trial phase and so far
we do not have a clear business plan for this item. However, we will
continue to monitor the market to make a business plan when needed."
Good vibes power tiny generator
05 JULY 2007,
TECHNOLOGY
A step closer to self-powered kit
04 DECEMBER 2008,
TECHNOLOGY
Wireless energy promise powers up
07 JUNE 2007,
TECHNOLOGY
Knee dynamo taps 'people power'
07 FEBRUARY 2008,
TECHNOLOGY
Nanowires allow 'power dressing'
13 FEBRUARY 2008,
TECHNOLOGY
Tiny engine boosts nanotech hopes
01 FEBRUARY 2007,
TECHNOLOGY
Related Internet links
More: http://www.hsengine.com/s_brother+quotes.html
No comments:
Post a Comment