Wearable technology project: Energy gloves

Here is the first design project I took on in a group of 3 for our first wearable technology research. The premise of this device is to store both solar energy and energy from piezoelectric crystals into an embedded system that is comfortable for wearing. In my mind, I hope that this design will serve people who are always working with their hands, while the sun on their backs. The dual source of energy will compensate for the lack of another. The gloves are modeled below:

In these photographs, the glove is shown accompanied by a bracelet where a battery can be placed when charging. Modeled above is a lithium-ion battery, but the aim is to replace the solid batteries with smaller wearable batteries. The piezoelectric crystals are embedded into the glove where the palm touches, so electricity is generated and stored when the glove is used while the hand hits another surface such as clapping, slapping, or gripping.

The tiny solar panels on the right side could be added for more energy, as four tiny panels are able to power up at least 4 LEDs. The solar and piezoelectric components of this design were tested carefully to see the potential of each system.

From the picture above. It is shown that a slight clap on one piezoelectric crystal with the size of a quarter can light an LED instantly.

Above is a comparison of the light of an LED with and without a light source. A paper is hovered over the two 3.5V solar panels in series to check if the system works. The solar panels are also used to charge a discharged, rechargeable lithium-ion battery at the same time, yet the dimming of the light source affects the LED. The solar panels are connected to a Sparkfun Sunny buddy board.