The 5G internet revolution brought higher download speeds, and near-instantaneous communication. This was good news for Internet of Things (IOT) devices, that communicate with each other. However this poses the question, what happens when their batteries run flat? An associate professor at University of Sydney, suggests the answer lies in self-recharging enduring batteries that keep going ‘forever’.
Scavenging Energy for IOT Batteries That Last
Forever is a very long time, which we don’t have available to solve the emerging global warming crisis. Prof Mahyar Shirvanimoghaddam is a World Economic Forum Young Scientist, meaning he is ahead of the pack. The Forum chatted with him about his goal to develop self-recharging enduring batteries, that last a very long time.
We really do need these enduring batteries, the Prof explained. Many of them are impractical to replace, because they are hidden deep down in devices. Keeping them going ‘forever’ would help manage a massive recycling burden, and place less strain on our natural resources too.
We already have proven technology to recharge batteries. This just leaves the question, where would we get the low-energy IOT batteries need? The simplest solution might be to scavenge the energy from the environment around us, to keep IOT batteries going longer.
Recharging IOT Batteries With Piezoelectric Energy
Piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, when we squeeze them, bend them, or otherwise apply mechanical pressure. Conversely, they may also expand, contact, or vibrate when we apply electricity.
However, this piezoelectricity only accumulates in certain materials in response to mechanical stress. These include some crystals, certain ceramics, and the bones, DNA, and selected proteins in our bodies. We see this technology in action in cigarette lighters and gas stove igniters too.
Self-recharging, enduring batteries using piezoelectricity are becoming a practical, viable solution for storing renewable energy. They have potential to radically extend the life of batteries, and super-capacitors too. These batteries may not last forever. However, they are definitely a step in the right direction.
More Information
Batteries Self-Charging Themselves Forever
