Composite piezoelectric material for energy harvesting
Themes: High Tech, Energy
Late prototype
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Piezoelectric materials can be used to harvest energy from vibrations. Our polymer/ceramic composite piezoelectric material combines the flexibility of polymers with the performance of ceramics, expanding the scope of practical application of these kind of materials.
How?
Our material consist of chains of micron-sized ceramic particles in a polymer matrix. It's flexible enough to vibrate, and efficient enough to produce a useable amount of energy. This energy can be used to power batteryless sensors.
When?
The material is ready for experimental application in commercial products. For instance as energy source for internet of things sensor systems or for (constant) structural health monitoring.
Prof. dr. Pim Groen