Harvest rain droplet kinetic energy for the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology

The research project aims to explore rain droplet kinetic energy harvesting for advanced engineering applications in the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology. As the world increasingly seeks renewable energy sources and sustainable technologies, the concept of harvesting wasted energy forms from the environment gains significance. One promising avenue is reverse electrowetting on dielectric (REWOD), a process where electricity is used to alter droplet dynamics, thereby generating electricity from droplet motion and modulation. The primary research goal of this project is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of rain droplet kinetic energy harvesting, specifically utilising the principle of reverse electrowetting on dielectric (REWOD), in the context of IoT applications. A key aspect of achieving this goal involves leveraging the expertise of the host institute to explore novel approaches and materials for improving the REWOD energy harvester’s performance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xuehua Zhang

Student:

Partner:

Northumbria University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Green/Alternative Energy; Sustainability & the Environment; Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: