Design considerations in medium-power biomechanical energy harvesting circuits

Wing Ling Cheng, Chao Chen, Wei-Hsin Liao

Abstract: Electronics is essential building block in biomedical devices. It provides flexibility, intelligence and makes high density packaging feasible. The use of electronics comes from the need for high quality electrical power. Some wasted biomechanical energy provides promising harvesting potential using power electronics. Using harvested power for biomedical applications becomes attractive. The highly variable nature of electrical power demand and harvestable energy create challenges on electrical system stability for predictable and sustainable performances. This paper discusses design of medium-power biomechanical energy harvesting circuits considering a smart prosthesis system.