Recent developments in wearable piezoelectric energy harvesters

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Wearable piezoelectric energy harvesters (WPEHs) are gaining traction for self-powered wearable electronics.
• These devices convert mechanical energy from human body movements into electrical energy.
• The need for sustainable, integrated power sources for microelectronic devices is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of wearable piezoelectric energy harvesting technologies.
• To explain the fundamental principles of piezoelectricity and materials used in WPEHs.
• To categorize and analyze different WPEH designs based on human body movement sources.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on piezoelectric energy harvesting.
• Classification of WPEHs based on harvesting locations (e.g., pulses, joints, skin, feet).
• Comparative analysis of different WPEH techniques, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Main Results:

• Detailed explanation of piezoelectric principles and materials.
• Categorization and analysis of WPEHs utilizing various body movements.
• Identification of benefits and drawbacks for each harvesting approach.

Conclusions:

• WPEHs offer a promising solution for self-powered wearable electronic systems.
• Further research is needed to optimize WPEH efficiency and integration.
• This review aims to guide researchers toward more effective wireless energy solutions for wearable components.