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bananamogultoday at 3:06 AM3 repliesview on HN

I clicked on a random one. My fellow taxpayers spent $825,000 for this shit.

"The human body is a near perfect energy generator. Demand for energy harvesting innovation, along with technology advances in thin film thermoelectric generators and highly efficient DC/DC boost circuitry now place wearable thermoelectric power harvesting within reach. The objective of Perpetua`s Phase II proposal is to deliver an energy harvesting system for first responder applications powered by the human body. Building on Perpetua`s successful demonstration of wearable thermoelectric generators in Phase I, this proposal combines advances in wearable thermoelectric generators, power electronics, ultra low power transceivers, and physiological sensors integrated into a first responder jacket. In collaboration with emergency response personnel, Perpetua will field test the developed jackets. Building on several decades of experience with thermoelectric generators, system design and product integration, Perpetua will architect modular systems for wearable body energy harvesting. Perpetua`s creative approach with best-in-class technology overcomes the traditional obstacles that have prevented energy harvesting from the human body to produce adequate voltage and usable power. Wearable human body thermoelectric generators promise power solutions for autonomous self-powered sensors reducing the weight, size, and limited life of primary battery power. Long life and small dimensions are particularly important and advantageous for sensor systems for the first responder."


Replies

tdecktoday at 3:11 AM

Critical support to the folks bilking ICE with absurd R&D investments. Maybe CBP can install solar freakin' roadways at their roadside checkpoints too.

vlovich123today at 3:11 AM

Why is it shit? Sounds like having your body power the electronics of your gear which isn’t insane. It’s technically difficult to get a lot of energy out but out of hand it’s not crazy. And phase ii sounds like they’ve met the previous milestone and are proposing the next iteration.

show 1 reply
zoklet-enjoyertoday at 3:26 AM

Reminds me of when I tried charging a phone with piezos in my insoles like 15 years ago. Should have applied for a grant