Scientists may have finally found a solution to effectively harvesting energy from humans into electrical energy. Researchers from the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging (ITFSI) at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) explored the use of the 3D graphene foam material, Gii by Integrated Graphene, as an active layer in an energy generator (known as a TENG).
The investigation aimed to transform mechanical energy wasted in nature into electrical energy that could be used to power small electronic devices and sensors in the booming global market for Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
The research, published in ScienceDirect, shows that the force of a human footprint on a pressure-sensitive mat, equipped with Gii-TENG sensors, can produce enough energy to anonymously identify people entering or leaving a room. As well as providing a low-cost and energy-efficient solution to monitoring building occupancy, the mats could also help to optimise energy resources by, for example, controlling room temperature upon entrance or exit.
The findings of this study will be of particular interest to schools and universities that could employ the technology to link the measurement of room occupancy to a ventilating system and a CO2 monitor, reducing the volume of CO2 which has been shown to reduce the ability to focus.
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