Thesis

Energy harvesting : a review of novel power sources for medical devices

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2013
Thesis identifier
  • T13663
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Energy-harvesting tactics are promising to be an autonomous energy source that could potentially replace the external and internal fuel cells currently used in implantable medical devices. Energy scavenging sources can be powered by physical or chemical energy generated by the body. Physical energy-dependent devices include those that feed off motion induced kinetic energy, respiratory air flow, thermal and pressure gradients. Chemical energy-dependent devices are split into those that have their own fuel source, for example a glucose fuel cell, and those that derive energy from endogenous substances, called micro-biofuel energy harvesters. There are many difficulties associated with implantable devices and their power sources, problems like compatibility with the surrounding tissues and sustainability of the source. This review summarises past advancements in the field, condenses current research and speculates about future applications. Different concepts, both biological and physical, are discussed and critically reviewed.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2013
Former identifier
  • 1005039

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