Energy-Scavenging Animal Telemetry Device

Current animal studies are limited by the requirement for batteries in animal telemetry devices. Problems include limited operational life and duty cycle of the devices, as well as limiting the species studied due to battery weight. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using animal motion to generate electricity to power animal telemetry devices. Our technology will deliver a non-invasive means of generating sufficient electrical power from host animals' motion to enable long-term functioning of telemetry devices. As the host animal moves during the course of its daily activities, energy generated by motion and acceleration will be converted to electrical power for the attached telemetry device. The elimination of, or reduced reliance on, batteries will enable a new generation of small, long-lasting telemetry devices for use in studying threatened, endangered, or poorly understood animal species. The smaller size will allow animal telemetry devices to be developed for species that have not had effective monitoring devices previously. The longer duration devices will enable animals to be studied over longer periods of time, perhaps for an animal's lifetime. These studies will enable effective conservation strategies for these threatened and endangered species as they are contingent on acquiring specific knowledge of the species' biology. With TenXsys power innovations, integrated with our already developed animal telemetry devices, many species of animals can be studied, and more effective conservation and restoration strategies can be developed.