Scientists have constructed a revolutionary vibration-based battery, ten times more powerful than any other similar device.
The generator, designed by engineers at the University of Southampton, converts kinetic energy to electrical energy by utilising vibrations and movements present within its environment.
The generator may offer a potential replacement to standard batteries.
The team claim that the device could be adapted for use in wireless, self-powered tyre sensors and if developed further, could even form the basis of technology for self-powered pace makers.
'This is the most successful generator of its kind and generates energy much more efficiently than any similar device of its size,' said Dr Steve Beeby of the University of Southamptons School of Electronics & Computer Science in a statement.
'Vibration energy harvesting is receiving a considerable amount of interest as a means for powering wireless sensor nodes,' said Dr Beeby.
'The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations.'
The generator, which is less than 1 cubic cm in size, was developed as part of the EU-funded 4.13 million Euro VIBES (Vibration Energy Scavenging) project.
The first batch of devices will power wireless sensors to monitor an air conditioning unit that supplies several laboratories within a single building.
According to Dr Beeby there has been an increasing interest in the field of low power miniature sensors and wireless sensor networks, however advancements in the sector have been limited by lack of developments in power generation systems. Dr. Beeby believes that the VIBES generator could hold the solution.
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