Compact Energy Conversion Module

Energy consumption is now often the most significant problem discussed whenever technology is considered. As the energy efficiency of computational devices drops, self-power via harvested energy becomes increasingly viable for a host of electronic devices for sensing and other applications. The ECM kinetic energy harvester provides self-power for a variety of wireless sensors that include those for in situ structural health monitoring (SHM) of NASA vehicles and infrastructure. ECM directly supports non-destructive evaluation (NDE) systems for safety assurance of future vehicles—especially those making heavy use of composite materials. There is a major effort within NASA, the FAA, and the military to develop integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) technology that uses SHM information for computer controlled recovery actions aimed at avoiding catastrophe. ECM provides enabling technology for this effort. ECM supports the NASA Engineering and Safety Center with tools for independent testing, analysis, and assessment of high-risk projects. NASA applications include self-health monitoring of future exploration vehicles and support structures like habitats and Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs). ECM-powered sensors reduce maintenance, minimize crew interaction, and reduce spaceflight technical risks and needs. ECM is directly responsive to Topic T3.01, which calls for innovative and compact systems to harvest and convert kinetic energy sources.

The current dependence on batteries to power pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, neurostimulators, and other medical devices raise numerous safety and reliability concerns. Energy harvesting promises to eliminate the need for bulky batteries and the risk of battery-related defects. Besides medical applications, commercial applications for wireless sensors include Homeland Security structural analysis to mitigate threats (preparedness) and assess damage (response), smart structures, and SHM of civil infrastructures, land/marine structures, and military structures. This broader impact includes practical and widespread monitoring with the potential for preventing catastrophic failures and saving lives. Civil infrastructure includes bridges, highway systems, buildings, power plants, underground structures, and wind energy turbines (alternative and renewable energy). Land/marine structures include automobiles, trains, submarines, ships, and offshore structures. Military structures include helicopters, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and others. The need for self-powered SHM sensors is driven by an aging infrastructure, malicious humans, and the introduction of advanced materials and structures. SHM applications are also driven by a desire to lower costs by moving from schedule-based to condition-based maintenance. Key commercial players include Energy Harvesting Sensors and Smart Materials. However, their harvesting products are neither compact nor broadband. More »