Innovative Energy Generation

Advanced Cerametrics, Inc. (ACI) has developed a technology to produce flexible and robust piezoelectric fiber composite transducers, which can be used to recover energy from various motions, including vibration, compression, and flexure, and then convertit into electric power. ACI proposes to design and develop a lightweight, low cost, piezoelectric fiber-based composite transducer energy recovery system that can be used as a power source for charging batteries. The energy harvesting transducers aredurable (>20MM cycles with no degradation in properties), conformable, and can be fit and placed in various locations around the launch system area or even in a small caliber gun. The system converts mechanical energy that is available in the form ofstructural vibrations, originating from shocks, setback forces, gun launch, or transportation, into electrical energy, which is then stored in a capacitor. These piezoelectric fiber composites can convert up to 65% of the waste mechanical energy toelectrical energy. Research will be conducted to determine location and magnitude of available sources of gun launch mechanical energy. A vibration table will be constructed that represents vibrational scenarios during gun launch and the output voltagewill be measured and evaluated for the transducer design refinement for maximum output power efficiency. Harvesting of waste energy makes it possible to replace batteries or prolong the operation of battery-operated devices. Self-powered and lightweightenergy sources will have a great impact in electronic device operations for extended period of time far beyond the battery's life span. This system represents a new fundamental technology platform where self-powered systems can perform functions,indefinitely, using waste energy, independent of outside control or power source. The devices will be maintenance free for many years and, therefore, will have broad application.