A rotating mechanism which includes a rail of a helical shape formed to be of uniform diameter, a column member disposed at an inner side of the rail, a rotating shaft inserted through and fixed at a center of the column member, a moving body attachable to the rail, and a magnet body disposed slightly separated from the column member.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to thermo-dielectric-elastomer-cells may be shown and described. In one embodiment a thermo dielectric elastomer cell (TDEC) can include a layer of carbon nanotubes that absorb sunlight; a layer of photo switchable molecules; a plurality of dielectric elastomer layers, each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layer comprising a layer of dielectric elastomer material and a layer of N-P junction transistors between the layers of dielectric elastomer material; a layer of insulators separating each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers; and an elastic cushioning which is placed between the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers and surrounding the dielectric elastomer material.

A subterranean geothermal power generation system is disclosed herein, comprising a closed cavity, a temperature differential mechanical power generation device, an electric power generation device and a heat conduction module. The mechanical power generation device with a heat source end and a cold source end and the electric power generation device are integrated into the cavity. The heat source end is exposed from the cavity for contacting with a heat source in the well; the cold source end and the electric power generation device are located in the cavity. A heat conduction fluid is filled into the cavity, the heat conduction module extends from the cavity to the outside of the well. Accordingly, a temperature difference between the cold source end and the heat source end is created to enable the mechanical power generation device to mechanically drive the electric power generation device to generate electricity.

An environmental energy harvesting device comprises: an energy converting element that converts environmental energy into electric energy; an environmental sensor that is disposed in an identical environment as the energy converting element; and a power supply circuit that receives electricity converted into by the energy converting element and outputs the electricity to an outside. The power supply circuit changes an operation condition in accordance with an output of the environmental sensor.

This description provides a system for recovering energy released by a computing unit. The system comprises a first computing unit that generates heat energy as the first computing processes information, an energy recovery unit configured to recover the heat energy generated by the first computing unit, and a second computing unit coupled to the energy the energy recovery unit. The energy recovery unit further comprise a pump configured to transport a working fluid to absorb the heat energy generated by the first computing device and a conversion device configured to convert the absorbed heat energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is passed to the second computing unit to supply power for the second computing unit to process information.

The present disclosure is directed to materials, devices, and methods for resonant ambient thermal energy harvesting. Thermal energy can be harvested using thermoelectric resonators that capture and store ambient thermal fluctuations and convert the fluctuations to energy. The resonators can include non-linear heat transfer elements, such as thermal diodes, to enhance their performance. Incorporation of thermal diodes can allow for a dynamic rectification of temperature fluctuations into a single polarity temperature difference across a heat engine for power extraction, as compared to the dual polarity nature of the output voltage of linear thermal resonators, which typically necessitates electrical rectification to be routed to an entity for energy storage. In some embodiments, the thermal diode can be applied to transient energy harvesting to construct thermal diode bridges. Methods for constructing such devices, and using such devices, are also provided.

Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.

A system for treating and/or monitoring a patient includes a patient physiological parameter monitoring patch and a companion device. The patient physiological parameter monitoring patch including an energy harvesting module, an energy storage module, a sensor module and a communication module. The energy harvesting module harvesting energy from one or more ambient sources, the energy being storable in the energy storage module and usable by one or more components of the patient physiological parameter monitoring patch. The sensor module senses one or more physiological parameters of the patient and the communication module can transmit the sensed data. The companion device can receive the sensed physiological parameters and can send the same to a remote device or store the same.

A system includes a first levitation magnet. The system also includes a suspension magnet configured underneath the first levitation magnet. The suspension magnet oscillates continuously. Magnetic flux cuts across electrical coil windings. Energy is generated as a result of the magnetic flux that cuts across the electrical coil windings. A second levitation magnet is positioned underneath the suspension magnet and first levitation magnet. The suspension magnet is configured to levitate between the first levitation magnet and the second levitation magnet.

A method and apparatus generate electrical currents and/or voltage in tissue using particles composed of liquid crystals and magnetic particles.