Energy Harvesting

Energy harvesting is the collection of otherwise unused ambient energy to perform useful functions.

Newer wristwatches powered by kinetic motion are examples of energy harvesting. Ambient energy is typically converted into electricity, which may be used immediately or stored in a battery or capacitor for later use. There are four energy harvesting technologies Boeing is actively exploring: electrodynamic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and solar. Energy harvesting supports sustainability by: • Reducing the need to generate electricity from non-renewable or polluting sources or energy • Eliminating the need to transport energy over electrical wiring, which reduces the weight of vehicles and thus reduces fuel use and emissions • Diminishing the need for primary batteries and toxic materials used in their manufacture • Extending the useful life of vehicles and other machines by using energy harvesting technologies to monitor their health • Providing cost-effective wireless monitoring of environmental conditions • Using the smallest amount of energy necessary to perform a wide variety of functions efficiently