Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the state-of-art knowledge of the use of energy harvesters (EHs) to power the wearables of clothing. The study discusses some examples of clothing with incorporated different types of EHs, harvesting energy from body movement (based on piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electrostatic phenomena) from temperature differences, as well as from solar radiation. In the performed analysis, particular attention was focused on the design of EHs, their principle of operation, advantages, disadvantages, and restrictions on use. Low energy requirements of wearable electronics (e.g., sensors and diodes) implemented to clothing indicate the possibility of using miniaturized EHs as a power source for such elements. Each of the discussed EH has both disadvantages and advantages. Therefore, the selection of EH should be preceded by a detailed analysis of the conditions of the garment use, its destination, the user’s physical activity, and the energy needs of the electronic devices incorporated in clothing. Despite a variety of research studies aimed at developing new EH, relatively few of them concern their implementation in the structure of clothing and tests of their functionality in the foreseeable conditions of use. In view of the above, these issues have been addressed in this publication based on the available literature.
Highlights
In the recent years, at the beginning of 90s, dynamic development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been observed [1]
In the case of wireless sensor networks worn by human subjects, they are small generators that instead of fossil fuels use the primary energy present in the human environment, e.g. solar energy, electromagnetic energy, vibrations, thermal energy, or radio frequency, to produce electricity. e user of wearable electronics can be a potential source of power; depending on the nature of the activities performed by the user, active and passive methods of energy harvesting are distinguished
Wireless sensor networks worn by humans are one of the main areas of use of miniaturized energy harvesters (EHs), with the energy demand of a single network node differing according to the operating mode of the device [10,11,12]. e literature review indicates that, in the standby mode, the energy demand does not exceed a dose of several μW, and during measurements, it is approximately 100 μW, while during the data transmission, it ranges from 0.1 to 1 mW. ese values clearly show the potential for application of miniaturized EH as the power source of an autonomic measurement sensor node [4]
Summary
At the beginning of 90s, dynamic development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been observed [1]. Work on the development of EH microgenerators, which would reduce the need for cabling and traditional batteries to power wearable electronic devices, e.g., sensors, access to which is considerably difficult, and sometimes even impossible, is ongoing all over the world. E user of wearable electronics can be a potential source of power; depending on the nature of the activities performed by the user, active and passive methods of energy harvesting are distinguished. Active energy harvesting takes place when the user of wearable electronics must perform a specific work to power the device. Erefore, the use of alternative energy sources eliminated the need for periodic charging or replacement of the batteries [9]. An EH microgenerator can be combined with traditional energy sources of reduced capacity and dimensions, supporting in this way their power supply. In view of the above, it was decided to focus on the analysis of the state of the art in that area of implementation of alternative power sources in clothing, with particular attention to the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations in the application of EH
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
