Optimization of Hybrid Energy Harvesting System

Wearable health monitoring devices are identified as a viable option for preventing dangerous health problems and surveillance of after-incident patients. But given the high computing needs of such battery-powered systems, a trade-off must be made between miniaturization and device lifetime. On the other hand, the human bearer is a significant source of power, both in the form of heat and movement, which can be a natural power source for wearable health monitoring devices. Energy reclamation from human activities is unpredictable and of variable nature, therefore the project proposes to use it in conjunction with RF energy transfer and communication known from RFID systems. Combination of these two systems would lead to creation of a flexible, long lasting, ecological (no battery waste) and very reliable energy supply for wearable health monitoring systems. In this internship with Adigy Inc., the research team proposes to analyze and optimize the functioning of cooperation of these systems based on analysis of a standard human behavior. In fact, such a hybrid powering scheme has never been analyzed before in spite of its potential huge usability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Bozena Kaminska

Student:

Marcia Marzencki

Partner:

Adigy Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Simon Fraser University