Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
06:21
A Simple and Scalable Fabrication Method for Organic Electronic Devices on Textiles
Published on: March 13, 2017
10.4K
Long-Lasting and High-Power-Density Yarn-Based Moisture-Enabled Electric Generator for Self-powered Electronic
Wenhu Gao1,2, Feng Liu1,2, Yanling Zheng1,2
1School of Materials & Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|January 7, 2025
Summary
This study presents a high-performance yarn-based moisture-enabled electric generator (YMEG) for wearable technology. The innovative YMEG design effectively harnesses ambient moisture to generate significant electrical power, enabling self-powered electronic textiles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Energy Harvesting Technologies
- Wearable Electronics
Background:
- 1D moisture-enabled electric generators (MEGs) show potential for powering electronic textiles.
- Current MEGs face limitations in power output and operational duration for wearable applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance yarn-based moisture-enabled electric generator (YMEG).
- To enhance power generation and operational duration for self-powered electronic textiles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a YMEG with a carbon-fiber core, PSSA/PVA active layer, and aluminum outer electrode.
- Design optimization to maintain a persistent moisture gradient for continuous ion diffusion.
- Integration of multiple YMEGs into a 1m long yarn for scalable power generation.
Main Results:
- An optimized 5-cm YMEG achieved 1.35 V open-circuit voltage and 460 µA cm⁻² short-circuit current density.
- Sustained current density above 300 µA cm⁻² for over 5 hours.
- A 1m yarn with 95 YMEGs generated 101.0 V at 60% RH; 420 YMEGs powered a 1W LED and 40mW motor.
Conclusions:
- The novel YMEG design significantly improves power output and operational duration.
- This technology enables self-powered electronic textiles by harvesting moisture, such as sweat.
- Potential applications include smart warning vests and headbands.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Van de Graaff Generator
1.7K
Van de Graaff generators (or Van de Graaffs) are devices used to demonstrate high voltage due to static electricity that can also be used for research. Robert Van de Graaff first built one in 1931 (based on original suggestions by Lord Kelvin) for use in nuclear physics research.
Van de Graaff uses both smooth and pointed surfaces, conductors, and insulators to generate large static charges and, hence, large voltages. A substantial excess charge can be deposited on the sphere because it moves...
Van de Graaff uses both smooth and pointed surfaces, conductors, and insulators to generate large static charges and, hence, large voltages. A substantial excess charge can be deposited on the sphere because it moves...
1.7K
01:19DC Generator
664
An alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy that varies sinusoidally, resulting in AC current. Meanwhile, a DC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, which are DC pulses with the same polarity. The construction of a DC generator is similar to that of an alternator, except that the pair of slip rings is replaced by a single split ring, also called a commutator. The commutator functions like a periodic rotary switch; it changes the contacts with the...
664
01:23Faraday Disk Dynamo
2.1K
A Faraday disk dynamo is a DC generator, producing an emf that is constant in time. It consists of a conducting disk that rotates with a constant angular velocity in the magnetic field, perpendicular to the disk's plane. The rotation of the disk causes a change in magnetic flux, which induces an emf, causing opposite charges to develop on the rim and in the center of the disk. The polarity of the induced emf can be determined by the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the...
2.1K
01:25Electric Generator: Alternator
2.4K
Electric generators induce an emf by rotating a coil in a magnetic field. A simple alternator is an AC generator that creates electrical energy that varies sinusoidally with time. A simple alternator consists of a conducting loop that is placed inside a uniform magnetic field. The loop is connected to split rings connected to the external circuit with the help of brushes.
The magnetic flux passing through the coil varies sinusoidally as the loop rotates inside the magnetic field. This...
The magnetic flux passing through the coil varies sinusoidally as the loop rotates inside the magnetic field. This...
2.4K
01:21Generator Voltage Control
118
Generator voltage control is crucial for maintaining the stable operation of synchronous generators and wind turbines. In older models, a DC generator driven by the rotor delivers DC power to the rotor's field winding, and the power is transferred through slip rings and brushes. In the latest models, static or brushless exciters are used. Static exciters rectify AC power from the generator terminals and then transfer the DC power directly to the rotor. Brushless exciters, on the other hand,...
118
01:10Electrical Energy
1.2K
Using electric appliances for a longer period of time consumes more electrical energy and results in a higher electric bill. The energy produced by the transfer of electrons from one point to another is known as electrical energy. If power is delivered at a constant rate, the electrical energy can be defined as the product of power used by the device for a period of time. The energy unit on electric bills is the kilowatt-hour, where one kilowatt-hour is equivalent to 3.6 × 106 joules.
1.2K