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Vibration absorbing, self-charging batteries

Catwell
New self-charging AA and AAA batteries are about to be introduced by Brother Industries Ltd. This "Vibration-powered Generating Battery," as the company labeled it, uses electromagnetic induction to generate power. The faux battery body houses the generator and a 500mF capacitor. Currently, the AA-size generator produces about 10-180mW.The target use is for devices that don't always draw power, like remote controls or flashlights. The output sounds fairly weak in the press release, but hopefully the technology will improve before launch, and battery waste will be a thing of the past.
 
 
If you are in Tokyo around July 21-23, 2010, be sure to check out Brother Industries's booth at the Techno-frontier 2010 Expo.
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  • An AA Duracell is good for about 8500 joules (9.5 hours to 0.8V at 250mW discharge power - from data sheet)..

    Brother claim "The average output of the AA-size generator is 10 to 180mW (frequency: 4-8Hz)"

    I did some rough calcs and I think you'll need to shake it VERY hard to get that.

    Lets take it as 50mW so that's 47 hours of serious exercise !!!

    If I were you I'd forget the remote and get up and use the switch on the telly !

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hi Michael,

     

    Who told you that a remote control only works with fully charged batteries? :-) The fun of this device is that it can be used of extremely low power application, like the remote. It is probably true that you would have to shake the device several seconds (maybe even 5 seconds) to have it fully functional. And if so, the invention is a no-go for me. The other problem will be the voltage drop which is typical for a discharging capacitor but not for a battery. How will a circuit cope with a decreasing supply rail? You will need a customized circuit for that. Anyway, we have to embrance all attempts to improve our environment. I should proceed with this topic in another group...

     

    Best regards, Enrico Migchels

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  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hi Michael,

     

    Who told you that a remote control only works with fully charged batteries? :-) The fun of this device is that it can be used of extremely low power application, like the remote. It is probably true that you would have to shake the device several seconds (maybe even 5 seconds) to have it fully functional. And if so, the invention is a no-go for me. The other problem will be the voltage drop which is typical for a discharging capacitor but not for a battery. How will a circuit cope with a decreasing supply rail? You will need a customized circuit for that. Anyway, we have to embrance all attempts to improve our environment. I should proceed with this topic in another group...

     

    Best regards, Enrico Migchels

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