Heel-Strike Generator Using Electrostrictive Polymers
Abstract
SRI investigated ways to harvest otherwise wasted energy from walking. The recovered energy, potentially on the order of 1-2 W per boot, can be used by a soldier to supplement battery power, as an emergency backup source of power, for specialized on-board boot functions such as inertia navigation, and, in the future, to enhance walking and other mobility performance. The approach used by SRI was electroactive polymers (EAP's), rubbery materials that generate electrical power when stretched and contracted. There were five major results of the project including (1) demonstration that non-piezo EAP's can be used as powerful generator materials and development of supporting theory and experiment, (2) development and demonstration of boot generators capable of generating up to 0.8 J/step of energy, (3) development of several mechanical boot generator designs and their associated EAP fabrication techniques, (4) development of boot generator electronics and identification of areas for future work needed for miniaturization, and (5) technology transfer including a follow-on project with a manufacturer to develop a commercial product.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA414020
Entities
People
- Ronald E. Pelrine
Organizations
- SRI International