Technology 2 min read

FENG Nanogenerator Powers Wearable Devices With Human Interaction

Nelson Sepulveda, Dr. Wei Li | Egr.msu.edu

Nelson Sepulveda, Dr. Wei Li | Egr.msu.edu

The age of wearable devices is upon us. Soon, we may be able to power these devices with our bodies. Engineering researchers at Michigan State University funded by the National Science Foundation have been working the premise of human powered batteries.

Project Lead and Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Nelson Sepulveda and his research team have created the FENG nanogenerator, a thin, film-like flexible device that, when folded, creates power.

FENG nanogenerator
Nelson Sepulveda | College of Engineering, Michigan State University

“Nelson Sepulveda and his research team have created the FENG, a thin, film-like flexible device that, when folded, creates power.”

By utilizing repeated non-strenuous tapping and pressing movements, the research team was able to successfully operate a 20 LED light bank, LCD display and soft keyboard all without a battery. Previously, Edgy Labs has written about the possibility of powering a smartphone with this technology. Check out the link in the next section.

FENG Nanogenerator Design Specs

The self-powered device is called a biocompatible ferroelectret nanogenerator (FENG). With the consistency of a Silicon wafer, the device is composed of ionized sheets of silver, polyimide and polypropylene ferroelectret. Each layer consists of charged particles (ions, atoms, etc). The film generates electricity when folded.

The self-powered device is called a biocompatible ferroelectret nanogenerator (FENG)Click To Tweet

Squeezing, compressing, and interacting with the device using human motion generates energy. Power increases as the device is folded. The smaller you can fold it, the more powerful the device becomes. The FENG offers simple and environmentally friendly energy from a thin, compact design that can power a number of applications and devices.

Implications of FENG use

As highlighted by Mr. Henion, “Advantages such as being lightweight, flexible, biocompatible, scalable, low-cost and robust” will equate to a more viable and efficient alternative to current mechanical energy harvesting techniques and technologies. Another huge benefit will help to leverage untapped human impact using relatively readily available materials with low environmental impact.

Edgy Labs community, which of your devices would most benefit from a FENG nanogenerator?

First AI Web Content Optimization Platform Just for Writers

Found this article interesting?

Let Kimberly Coleman know how much you appreciate this article by clicking the heart icon and by sharing this article on social media.


Profile Image

Kimberly Coleman

Comments (2)
Most Recent most recent
You
  1. Profile Image
    Vijaya Zaparde December 26 at 9:04 am GMT

    what is the pric eof flexible film

  2. Profile Image
    Marvin Bastow March 03 at 12:44 am GMT

    Investment is one of the best ways to achieve financial freedom. For a beginner there are so many challenges you face. It’s hard to know how to get started. Trading on the Cryptocurrency market has really been a life changer for me. I almost gave up on crypto at some point not until saw a recommendation on Elon musk successfully success story and I got a proficient trader/broker Mr Bernie Doran , he gave me all the information required to succeed in trading. I made more profit than I could ever imagine. I’m not here to converse much but to share my testimony; I have made total returns of $10,500.00 from an investment of just $1000.00 within 1 week. Thanks to Mr Bernie I’m really grateful,I have been able to make a great returns trading with his signals and strategies .I urge anyone interested in INVESTMENT to take bold step in investing in the Cryptocurrency Market, he can also help you RECOVER your lost/stolen Cryptocurrencies. you can reach him on WhatsApp : + 1 (424) 285 – 0682 or his Gmail : BERNIEDORANSIGNALS @ GMAIL . COM bitcoin is taking over the world, tell him I referred you

share Scroll to top

Link Copied Successfully

Sign in

Sign in to access your personalized homepage, follow authors and topics you love, and clap for stories that matter to you.

Sign in with Google Sign in with Facebook

By using our site you agree to our privacy policy.