A Fully Functional Universal Self‐Chargeable Power Module for Portable/Wearable Electronics and Self‐Powered IoT Applications

This paper presents a universal self-chargeable power module (USPM) that can efficiently harvest energy from various sources like human bio-mechanics, ocean waves, and automobile vibrations. It uses a multiple spring-based design for high performance at low frequencies (≤6 Hz) and accelerations (≤1 g). The USPM is a compact device with integrated power management and storage, providing a direct current power of up to 34.11 mW.

• Development of a universal self-chargeable power module (USPM) for diverse energy sources.
• High-performance energy harvesting at low frequencies and accelerations.
• Compact integration of a hybrid generator, power management, battery, and USB-C outlet.
• Demonstrated real-time charging of smartphones and powering of self-powered IoT systems.

A hybrid electromagnetic-triboelectric generator was designed with a multiple spring-based mechanical coupling system. Electromagnetic performance was optimized with a flux concentrator, and triboelectric performance was enhanced with electrospun nanofibers. The USPM's capability was tested by harvesting energy from walking, cycling, simulated ocean waves, and car vibrations to power various devices and sensors.

The USPM successfully harvested biomechanical energy to charge smartphones, earbuds, and smart bands. It also harvested blue energy to power a wireless water health monitoring system and scavenged automobile vibration energy for an in-car environment monitoring system. The module provides a maximum DC power of 34.11 mW.