Driving low-power wearable systems with an adaptively-controlled foot-strike scavenging platform

Authors:
Vishwa Goudar;Zhi Ren;Paul Brochu;Miodrag Potkonjak;Qibing Pei
Affiliations:
University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA;University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA;University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA;University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA;University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Venue:
Proceedings of the 2013 International Symposium on Wearable Computers
Year:
2013

Citing 2
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Abstract

We explore the use of Dielectric Elastomer (DE) micro-generators as a means to scavenge energy from foot-strikes and power wearable systems. While they exhibit large energy densities, DEs must be closely controlled to maximize the energy they transduce. Towards this end, we propose a DE micro-generator array configuration that enhances transduction efficiency, and the use of foot pressure sensors to realize accurate control of the individual DEs. Statistical techniques are applied to customize performance for a user's gait and enable energy-optimized adaptive online control of the system. Simulations based on experimentally collected foot pressure datasets, empirical characterization of DE mechanical behavior and a detailed model of DE electrical behavior show that the proposed system can achieve between 45 and 66mJ per stride.