A new innovative technology for wearables is taking over the market of future technology. Wearables are portable systems that house sensors to make measurements from the wearer’s body. Powering these wearables requires flexible batteries that adapt to the specific material, and deliver the power needed for the system.
Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM developed a micro battery to address this new technology trend. Wearables are used in medical practices to collect data, like recording long-term ECGs without interfering with the patient day to day activities. It is also a convenient way of monitoring a patient’s heartbeat since the sensors are light, flexible and concealed in clothing. This technology could also be applied to accessories like fitness bands that measure jogger’s pulse while running.
Technical concerns about this technology include durability, energy density and material requirements and parameters such as weight, flexibility and size must be considered. Fraunhofer IZM developed a prototype wristband that combines all this. The key to this is its three gleaming green batteries. The 300 milliampere batteries supply the wristband with power.
The batteries can store energy up to 1.1 Wh and loose less than 3% of their charge capacity per year. This features make the new prototype superior to smart bands available in the market, it also creates the avenue for other portable electronics to be supplied with energy from these batteries.
This technology is successful due to the segmented approach. Instead of making the batteries extremely flexible at the cost of energy density and reliability, the institute directed its focus to designing very small and powerful batteries for optimized mounting. The batteries are malleable in between segments.
The smart band is flexible and produce more power compared to other smart wristbands available on the market. Fraunhofer IZM also uses customer tailored solutions to develop batteries for wearables. They consult with customers to draw up energy requirements. They consider shape, size, voltage, capacity and power to create a power supply concept.
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About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.
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