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Wearable Ultrahigh Current Power Source Based on Giant Magnetoelastic Effect in Soft Elastomer System
Guorui Chen1, Yihao Zhou1, Yunsheng Fang1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.
ACS Nano
|November 24, 2021
Summary
Researchers discovered a giant magnetoelastic effect in soft elastomers, enabling a new wearable magnetoelastic generator (MEG). This device converts biomechanical energy into electricity, offering a novel power source for wearable electronics and personalized thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Traditional ferromagnetic materials rely on external magnetic fields for magnetoelastic effects.
- Existing energy harvesting technologies often lack efficiency and versatility for biomechanical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To observe and characterize the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft elastomers without external magnetic fields.
- To develop a novel magnetoelastic generator (MEG) for efficient biomechanical energy conversion.
- To demonstrate the potential of MEG for powering wearable devices and personalized thermoregulation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft elastomer systems.
- Development of a linear model using COMSOL Multiphysics for theoretical validation.
- Integration of the magnetoelastic effect with electromagnetic induction to create a wearable MEG.
- Testing the MEG's performance in terms of output current, impedance, and waterproof properties.
- Application of the MEG to power a Joule-heating textile for thermoregulation.
Main Results:
- Observation of a giant magnetoelastic effect in soft elastomers with a magnetomechanical coupling factor four times larger than traditional materials.
- Successful development of a wearable magnetoelastic generator (MEG).
- The wearable MEG achieved an ultrahigh output current of 97.17 mA and low internal impedance (~40 Ω).
- Demonstrated intrinsic waterproof property of the MEG.
- Successfully powered a Joule-heating textile, increasing its temperature by 0.2 °C.
Conclusions:
- The giant magnetoelastic effect in soft elastomers presents a significant advancement over traditional materials.
- The developed wearable MEG offers a compelling and efficient approach for on-body electricity generation.
- This technology opens new possibilities for renewable energy harvesting and personalized wearable applications.
Keywords:
biomechanical energy conversiongiant magnetoelastic effecthigh current outputmagnetoelastic generatorpersonalized thermoregulationwearable bioelectronics
