Digital Technologies
150
Mobile energy harvesting systems
CASE STUDY
Background
Foot soldiers are often under great pressure to perform
at high levels under extreme physical stress. One
hindrance is the weight of kit they often carry, including
battery packs to power their electronic equipment. This
burden could be reduced if energy could be harvested
from soldiers’ natural movement.
The project
The University of Liverpool collaborated with seven
other universities to design, develop and demonstrate
kinetic energy harvesting devices for foot soldiers to
generate their own renewable power.
Liverpool researchers designed a biomechanical
module that analysed the human motion of the
subjects. The candidate devices (researched by other
partners) were designed to be placed inside the shoe
and on the leg of soldiers. Foot pressure data and knee
kinematics from multiple subjects were analysed with
statistical tools to determine the optimal placement of
the device and measure its operating characteristics.
Our complex analyses allowed the other partners to
potentially maximise energy output from the devices.
Human factors, such as comfort, were also taken
into account.
Outcomes / benefits
•
A reduced load for soldiers
•
A large commercial potential if the energy
harvesting device is adapted for people to power
their mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Partners
Universities of Leeds, Southampton, Cranfield, Essex, Sheffield, Bristol
Activity type
Collaborative research
Academic lead(s)
Dr Yannis Goulermas (Liverpool lead), Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Electrical
Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Electronics;
Professor Andrew Bell, University of Leeds
Supported by
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council (EPSRC)
