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Development of self charging batteries from ambient vibration

Based in Ithaca at the Cornell Business and Technology Park, the technology company MicroGen Systems (Microgen) is developing a global, scalable, green, renewable energy power source. Whereas traditional batteries possess numerous limitations that hamper the capabilities of wireless sensor systems or networks (WSS/WSN), including the high maintenance cost of replacement, MicroGen's patent-pending innovation makes it possible for the device to harness energy from ambient vibrations as a way to self-charge and store that energy. The battery will look like a microchip, but with a vibrating core, and it will harness energy from almost anything that shakes. With this innovation, the energy can be consumed for an estimated 20 years or more. By significantly reducing the cost of deploying and maintaining WSS/WSNs, these products provide a viable solution for the WSS/WSN market.
Traditional batteries possess numerous limitations that hamper the capabilities of wireless sensor systems or networks (WSS/WSN), including the high maintenance cost of replacement. MicroGen's innovation is based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microfabrication and packaging techniques (similar to fabricating high-volume computer chips). MicroGen's piezoelectric vibrational energy harvesters (PZEH) are micro-power generators capable of extending the lifetime of rechargeable batteries or eliminating them completely. MicroGen's patent-pending innovation makes it possible for the device to harness energy from ambient vibrations as a way to self-charge and store that energy. With this innovation, the energy can be consumed for an estimated 20 years or more.

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