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Harvesting Energy from Movement: The SNAPS Project

Imagine powering your devices without batteries or outlets. The SNAPS project is making it possible by harnessing the energy from everyday movements.

In this picture we can see a harvesting machine in the field and a person is seated in it, in the...
In this picture we can see a harvesting machine in the field and a person is seated in it, in the background we can find few trees.

Harvesting Energy from Movement: The SNAPS Project

Researchers at HTW Dresden are working on a unique project called SNAPS, aiming to generate energy from the constant movements of humans, animals, and machines. The project seeks independence from batteries and power outlets, focusing on creating scalable, sustainable, and autonomous energy generation systems.

The starting point for the project is the constant movements of a cow, such as chewing and twitching its tail and ears. The Institute for Applied Electronics at HTW Dresden, led by Professor Heike Graßmann, is developing 'energy harvesters' as part of the SNAPS project. These energy harvesters are designed to be easily expandable in size, from a few centimeters to several decimeters, to accommodate various movement sources.

The systems are designed to function largely autonomously and be sustainable. They use a small generator and matched electronics to operate efficiently and adapt the voltage to consumer requirements. The materials used are recyclable, ensuring a long lifespan for the energy harvesters. The project is funded by the federal government and led by Professor Lutz Göhler of the same institute.

The SNAPS project aims to power monitoring machines and systems, such as wind turbines, and tracking chips in dairy farming. By harnessing the power of constant movements, the project seeks to create a sustainable and independent energy source, contributing to a greener and more efficient future.

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