Crumpling for energy: modeling generated power from the crumpling of polymer piezoelectric foils for wearable electronics

Abstract

We consider possibility of embedding large sheets of polymer piezoelectrics in clothing for sensing and energy harvesting for wearable electronic applications. Power is generated by the crumpling of clothes due to human body movements.

Flexoelectricity as a universal mechanism for energy harvesting from crumpling of thin sheets

“…Crumpling, provides a rather interesting alternative to generate large localized strain gradients (or in this context, changes in curvature). Recently, Kodali et al [37] proposed to generate electric power from the crumpling of micron-thick polymer piezoelectric foils for wearable electronics and experimentally observed the development of a voltage (≈ 0.1V). Recognizing the potential of crumpling to induce a significant flexoelectric response, we argue that crumpling could provide a facile route to generate electric power in thin paper-like structures of all materials (and not just piezoelectric).…”

“…In a departure from the works quoted in the preceding paragraphs, Kodali et al [37] examined crumples in composite piezoelectric thin sheets. Specifically, they embedded sheets of a polymer piezoelectric (PVDF) in clothing in which power is generated by crumpling of clothes due to human body movements.…”

“…Our work, motivated by the generated voltage in the developable cone [37], is predicated on the observation that at the tip of the d-cone, not only the strain is considerable, but so is the strain gradient (i.e., curvature). Taking cognizance of Eq.…”

“…al. [37] on electricity generated by PVDF paper? (2) What is the mechanics and physics of crumpling if flexoelectricity is accounted for?…”

Modulating Thin Film Transistor Characteristics by Texturing the Gate Metal

“…Thin film transistors (TFTs) based on disordered semiconductors are the building blocks of integrated circuits on large area flexible substrates. Advances in materials and fabrication methods have resulted in expanding the application spectrum from the traditional applications such as displays 1 – 3 and image sensors 4 – 6 to applications in data transmission and storage systems 7 – 14 wearable electronics such as smart bandages and other health care monitoring devices 15 – 20 radio frequency identification 21 – 23 wearable energy harvesting systems 24 – 27 sensors and actuators on elastomers 28 – 30 etc. To enable these applications, the design of reliable TFT circuits have become important.…”