Application of energy recovery mechanisms in wearable devices

Abstract

Wearable devices have almost become a necessity in modern-day society due to their multifaceted functions, providing fitness tracking and health monitoring. Apart from this foundational role, daily wearable devices play a significant role in helping with health recovery, such as Mechanical Exoskeletons, in our high-demand society. However, one of the primary limitations of these devices is their dependency on finite battery life. This review paper aims to address this problem with the concept of energy recovery (ER) technology, which could be a potential solution for prolonging the operational time of wearables. These methodologies are primarily based on the theory of energy conservation and efficiency models, branching out into different aspects of thermodynamics, piezoelectricity, and the basic principles of human motion. Through the analysis of academic journals and primary studies, this review aims to provide a detailed explanation of how ER technology would work from various perspectives, identify constraints within the use of this technology, and suggest directions for future investigation. The objective is to promote the integration of energy recovery technologies into wearable devices, ultimately enhancing their efficiency for users.