LTC3588-1 piezoelectric energy-harvesting power supply

[angryScientist]

http://www2.electronicproducts.com/Good_vibrations_for_energy_harvesting-article-fapo_ltc_mar2010-html.aspx

pin selectable output voltages, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 3.6V, with up to 100mA of continuous output current.

They says it will operate a low power micro processor and micro power transmitter.

I wonder if it could be used for a cell phone. That could be could neat. A phone that is powered by the heat of your hand, perhaps. Or better yet, one that is operated by your voice. Just start screaming at it to place a call. It maybe a hazard for women. I could imagine it becoming permanently embedded in some ones head.


Here is a high-efficiency dc/dc buck converter. They say it can be used for things like:
- Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
- Electro-Mechanical Energy Harvesting
- Wireless HVAC Sensors
- Mobile Asset Tracking
- Tire Pressure Sensors
- Battery Replacement for Industrial Sensors
- Remote Light Switches
- Standalone Nanopower Buck Regulator


Looks like it starts operation at about 400 mV which is not very spectacular, it would be like a  germanium diode bridge. Internal it's regulated at 4.8V above GND.




Features

    * 950nA Input Quiescent Current (Output in Regulation â€" No Load)
    * 450nA Input Quiescent Current in UVLO
    * 2.7V to 20V Input Operating Range
    * Integrated Low-Loss Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier
    * Up to 100mA of Output Current
    * Selectable Output Voltages of 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 3.6V
    * High Efficiency Integrated Hysteretic Buck DC/DC
    * Input Protective Shunt â€" Up to 25mA Pull-Down at VIN = 20V
    * Wide Input Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO) Range
    * Available in 10-Lead MSE and 3mm × 3mm DFN Packages


Here's the web site and PDF.

http://www.linear.com/
http://cds.linear.com/docs/Datasheet/35881f.pdf

[mscoffman]

@All

Just to reiterate:

* 2.7V to 20V Input Operating Range
              ^^
          Max. DcV input

This won't work with your 10KVDC barbeque lighter.

:S:MarkSCoffman

[Rapadura]

The piezoelectric effect can be harnessed to give a useful DC output, and can easily light a LED:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReN_QU78pcs

[onthecuttingedge2005]

Maybe this will give you some ideas.

[onthecuttingedge2005]

any additional thoughts?