Harnessing Energy from Noise

Dec-09-13 Two separate teams of researchers have been developing a way to use piezoelectric materials to harness the energy in loud sounds, potentially leading to quieter engines and new ways to harness wind power.

Stephen Horowitz, a research engineer based in Hunstville, has been working on sound-energy harnessing technology for the past decade. He and his team used a piezoelectric material to build a very thin, sensitive membrane of aluminum able to transform sound vibrations into enough electricity to power a small sensor. They then attached the membrane to a liner that quiets the sound of the engine by canceling out certain frequencies. The project is being funded by NASA.

In a second study underway at Georgia Tech, a team is trying to harvest the noise created by industrial hydraulic pumps and valves. The Georgia Tech team’s device is also able to power sensors that provide feedback at to the operational efficiency of the machines, which could also lead to ways to help dampen their noise.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[ABC]

---