New Tech Generates Energy From Device Motion

New energy-harvesting technology that can capture energy from the rotation or spin of any device has potential to provide power for sensors and other connected devices in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Jennova Inc., which specializes in smart energy-management solutions, has developed and patented the Electrodynamic Energy Harvesting (EH) technology, which uses magnetic induction to gather energy from rotation or the motion of virtually any device, according to the company. By harnessing this power, the technology can provide power to wireless sensors in devices that would otherwise need batteries -- which need to be changed every six months to three years.

Electrodynamics, a concept that's been around for awhile, creates energy by passing a magnetic presence by a conductor. Jennova's Electrodynamic EH technology takes that small amount of energy and acts as an amplifier to create higher, viable amounts of energy for powering small electronics devices, the company said. The technology readily can generate 16 milowatts of power up to as much as 64 milowatts if several systems can be linked together.

"Jennova has worked tirelessly to create a technology that is virtually error-free and harvest the energy that is typically lost in mechanical motion," says Terry Pennisi, the company's CEO and founder, in a press release. "Our design can reach a wide range of outputs both in voltage and current to satisfy the energy needs of this vast untapped market. It supplies the quick and worry-free support of unlimited applications with the generation of power that significantly exceeds other systems.

Indeed, Pennisi said that recent tests using the Electrodynamic EH technology have demonstrated the ability to power four wireless sensors for an indefinite amount of time with just one of Jennova's energy-harvesting solutions.

To create a magnetic presence, Jennova uses small neodymium magnets -- which are smaller than the size of baby aspirin -- that are easy to fit into small spaces to suit even small devices such as sensors, the company said. The technology's circuit board is scalable and can be designed to raise power output by paralleling or increasing the number of magnets used.

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A two-step process of attaching the magnets to the rotational source and then affixing the energy-harvesting board to a location also can easily integrate the device into new and existing infrastructures, the company said. Further, once installed, it requires no further maintenance or calibration.

Jennova's EEH technology can be used in a variety of applications, such as wireless sensors or infrastructure for industrial devices and machines, the company said.

Pennisi said Jennova is actively seeking partnerships to use its energy-harvesting technology as well as develop new alternative sources of energy. "We are open to partnering with other industry leaders to create new innovations and fill the void with environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost effective solutions," he said.

Elizabeth Montalbano is a freelance writer who has written about technology and culture for more than 15 years. She has lived and worked as a professional journalist in Phoenix, San Francisco, and New York City. In her free time she enjoys surfing, traveling, music, yoga, and cooking. She currently resides in a village on the southwest coast of Portugal.

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